bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
c-Rel Is the Pivotal NF-κB Subunit in Germinal Center Diffuse Large B-Cell Lymphoma: A LYSA Study
Authors: Faumont Nathalie , Taoui Oussama , Collares Davi , Jais Jean-Philippe , Leroy Karen , Prévaud Léa , Jardin Fabrice , Molina Thierry J. , Copie-Bergman Christiane , Petit Barbara , Gourin Marie-Pierre , Bordessoule Dominique , Troutaud Danielle , Baud Véronique , Feuillard Jean
Published: April 2021

Relationships between c-Rel and GCB-DLBCLs remain unclear. We found that strong c-Rel DNA-binding activity was mostly found in GCBs on two independent series of 48 DLBCLs and 66 DLBCLs, the latter issued from the GHEDI series. c-Rel DNA-binding activity was associated with increased REL mRNA expression. Extending the study to the whole GHEDI and Lenz DLBCL published series of 202 and 233 cases, it was found that the c-Rel gene expression profile (GEP) overlapped partially (12%) but only with the GCB GEP and not with the GEP of ABC-DLBCLs. Cases with both overexpression of REL mRNA and c-Rel GEP were defined as those having a c-Rel signature. These cases were GCBs in 88 and 83% of the GHEDI or Lenz’s DLBCL series respectively. The c-Rel signature was also associated with various recurrent GCB-DLBCL genetic events, including REL gains, BCL2 translocation, MEF2B, EZH2, CREBBP, and TNFRSF14 mutations and with the EZB GCB genetic subtype. By CGH array, the c-Rel signature was specifically correlated with 2p15-16.1 amplification that includes XPO1, BCL11A, and USP34 and with the 22q11.22 deletion that covers IGLL5 and PRAME. The total number of gene copy number aberrations, so-called genomic imbalance complexity, was decreased in cases with the c-Rel signature. These cases exhibited a better overall survival. Functionally, overexpression of c-Rel induced its constitutive nuclear localization and protected cells against apoptosis while its repression tended to increase cell death. These results show that, clinically and biologically, c-Rel is the pivotal NF-κB subunit in the GCB-DLBCL subgroup. Functionally, c-Rel overexpression could directly promote DLBCL tumorigenesis without need for further activation signals.
Circular RNAs and Hepatocellular Carcinoma: New Epigenetic Players With Diagnostic and Prognostic Roles
Authors: Aishanjiang Kedeerya , Wei Xin-dong , Fu Yi , Lin Xinjie , Ma Yujie , Le Jiamei , Han Qiuqin , Wang Xuan , Kong Xiaoni , Gu Jinyang , Wu Hailong
Published: April 2021

Hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) is one of the leading causes of cancer-related death worldwide. Due to the lack of potent diagnosis and prognosis biomarkers and effective therapeutic targets, the overall prognosis of survival is poor in HCC patients. Circular RNAs (circRNAs) are a class of novel endogenous non-coding RNAs with covalently closed loop structures and implicated in diverse physiological processes and pathological diseases. Recent studies have demonstrated the involvement of circRNAs in HCC diagnosis, prognosis, development, and drug resistance, suggesting that circRNAs may be a class of novel targets for improving HCC diagnosis, prognosis, and treatments. In fact, some artificial circRNAs have been engineered and showed their therapeutic potential in treating HCV infection and gastric cancer. In this review, we introduce the potential of circRNAs as biomarkers for HCC diagnosis and prognosis, as therapeutic targets for HCC treatments and discuss the challenges in circRNA research and chances of circRNA application.
Disease Spectrum of Breast Cancer Susceptibility Genes
Authors: Wang Jin , Singh Preeti , Yin Kanhua , Zhou Jingan , Bao Yujia , Wu Menghua , Pathak Kush , McKinley Sophia K. , Braun Danielle , Hughes Kevin S.
Published: April 2021

Background

Pathogenic variants in cancer susceptibility genes can increase the risk of a spectrum of diseases, which clinicians must manage for their patients. We evaluated the disease spectrum of breast cancer susceptibility genes (BCSGs) with the aim of developing a comprehensive resource of gene-disease associations for clinicians.

Methods

Twelve genes (ATM, BARD1, BRCA1, BRCA2, CDH1, CHEK2, NF1, PALB2, PTEN, RECQL, STK11, and TP53), all of which have been conclusively established as BCSGs by the Clinical Genome Resource (ClinGen) and/or the NCCN guidelines, were investigated. The potential gene-disease associations for these 12 genes were verified and evaluated based on six genetic resources (ClinGen, NCCN, OMIM, Genetics Home Reference, GeneCards, and Gene-NCBI) and an additional literature review using a semiautomated natural language processing (NLP) abstract classification procedure.

Results

Forty-two diseases were found to be associated with one or more of the 12 BCSGs for a total of 86 gene-disease associations, of which 90% (78/86) were verified by ClinGen and/or NCCN. Four gene-disease associations could not be verified by either ClinGen or NCCN but were verified by at least three of the other four genetic resources. Four gene-disease associations were verified by the NLP procedure alone.

Conclusion

This study is unique in that it systematically investigates the reported disease spectrum of BCSGs by surveying multiple genetic resources and the literature with the aim of developing a single consolidated, comprehensive resource for clinicians. This innovative approach provides a general guide for evaluating gene-disease associations for BCSGs, potentially improving the clinical management of at-risk individuals.
Pyrotinib Combined With Vinorelbine in HER2-Positive Metastatic Breast Cancer: A Multicenter Retrospective Study
Authors: Li Yi , Qiu Yixuan , Li Huihui , Luo Ting , Li Wei , Wang Hong , Shao Bin , Wang Biyun , Ge Rui
Published: April 2021

Introduction

Pyrotinib plus capecitabine has been approved in China for human epidermal growth factor receptor 2 (HER2)-positive metastatic breast cancer (MBC). Meanwhile, vinorelbine is another important chemotherapy option for MBC available in oral and intravenous forms. Thus, pyrotinib plus vinorelbine may represent a new treatment option, particularly for patients with failed capecitabine treatment. This study reported the first real-world data for pyrotinib plus vinorelbine therapy in HER2+ MBC.

Methods

HER2+ MBC patients (n = 97) treated with pyrotinib plus vinorelbine in six institutions across China from May 2018 to June 2020 were enrolled. Progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), overall survival (OS), and toxicity profiles were determined.

Results

Sixty-seven percent of patients received more than two lines of systematic therapy. Nearly all patients (97.9%) had received trastuzumab and 50.5% were administered lapatinib. When combined with pyrotinib, 74.2% received oral and 25.8% received intravenous vinorelbine. Median PFS (mPFS) was 7.8 (range, 4.7–10.8) months for all patients. The mPFS in patients administered pyrotinib as second-line therapy and third-or-higher-line therapy were 12.0 and 6.4 months, respectively. Patients who received pyrotinib plus oral or intravenous vinorelbine had similar mPFS (7.8 vs. 6.4 months, p = 0.871). The 23 patients with brain metastases had mPFS of 6.3 (range, 3.4–9.2) months. Lapatinib-naïve patients had significantly longer PFS than lapatinib-treated patients (10.8 months vs. 5.6 months, p = 0.020). Median OS was not achieved. The ORR for 96 patients was 34.3%. Common grade 3 and 4 adverse events were diarrhea (22.7%), neutropenia (7.2%), and leukopenia (4.1%).

Conclusions

Pyrotinib plus vinorelbine therapy demonstrated promising effects in HER2+ MBC with tolerable toxicity, particularly in patients with second-line treatment and without prior lapatinib treatment, as well as in patients with brain metastases. Oral vinorelbine is a useful alternative to the intravenous form when combined with pyrotinib.

Clinical Trial Registration

[ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04517305].
Rapamycin Promotes ROS-Mediated Cell Death via Functional Inhibition of xCT Expression in Melanoma Under γ-Irradiation
Authors: Woo Yunseo , Lee Hyo-Ji , Kim Jeongyeon , Kang Seung Goo , Moon Sungjin , Han Jeong A. , Jung Young Mee , Jung Yu-Jin
Published: April 2021

Although many cancer patients are administered radiotherapy for their treatment, the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages in the tumor microenvironment attenuates the curative effects of radiotherapy. The enhanced activation of mTOR signaling in the tumors promotes tumor radioresistance. In this study, the effects of rapamycin on the interaction between tumor cells and macrophages were investigated. Rapamycin and 3BDO were used to regulate the mTOR pathway. In vitro, tumor cells cocultured with macrophages in the presence of each drug under normoxic or hypoxic conditions were irradiated with γ–rays. In vivo, mice were irradiated with γ–radiation after injection with DMSO, rapamycin and 3BDO into tumoral regions. Rapamycin reduced the secretion of IL-4 in tumor cells as well as YM1 in macrophages. Mouse recombinant YM1 decreased the enhanced level of ROS and the colocalized proportion of both xCT and EEA1 in irradiated tumor cells. Human recombinant YKL39 also induced results similar to those of YM1. Moreover, the colocalized proportion of both xCT and LC3 in tumor tissues was elevated by the injection of rapamycin into tumoral regions. Overall, the suppression of mTOR signaling in the tumor microenvironment might be useful for the improvement of tumor radioresistance.
The Struggling Odyssey of Infantile Primary Hyperoxaluria
Authors: Guillaume Adrien , Chiodini Benedetta , Adams Brigitte , Dahan Karin , Deschênes Georges , Ismaili Khalid
Published: April 2021

Introduction:Oxalate overproduction in Primary Hyperoxaluria type I (PH1) leads to progressive renal failure and systemic oxalate deposition. In severe infantile forms of PH1 (IPH1), end-stage renal disease (ESRD) occurs in the first years of life. Usually, the management of these infantile forms is challenging and consists in an intensive dialysis regimen followed by a liver-kidney transplantation (combined or sequential).

Methods:Medical records of all infants with IPH1 reaching ESRD within the first year of life, diagnosed and followed between 2005 and 2018 in two pediatric nephrology departments in Brussels and Paris, have been reviewed.

Results:Seven patients were included. They reached ESRD at a median age of 3.5 (2–7) months. Dialysis was started at a median age of 4 (2–10 months). Peritoneal dialysis (PD) was the initial treatment for 6 patients and hemodialysis (HD) for one patient. Liver transplantation (LT) was performed in all patients and kidney transplantation (KT) in six of them. A sequential strategy has been chosen in 5 patients, a combined in one. The kidney transplanted as part of the combined strategy was lost. Median age at LT and KT was 25 (10–41) months and 32.5 (26–75) months, respectively. No death occurred in the series. At the end of a median follow-up of 3 years, mean eGFR was 64 ± 29 ml/min/1.73 m2. All patients presented retinal and bone lesions and five patients presented bones fractures.

Conclusion:Despite encouraging survival figures, the morbidity in IPH1 patients remains extremely heavy and its management presents a huge challenge. Thanks to the newly developed RNA-interference drug, the future holds brighter prospects.
Immunological Features of Pediatric Interstitial Pneumonia Due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae
Authors: Xu Xuefeng , Sheng Yuanjian , Yang Li , Zhou Haichun , Tang Lanfang , Du Lizhong
Published: April 2021

Background: Inflammatory response, oxidative stress, and immunologic mechanism are involved in the pathogenesis of Mycoplasma pneumoniae pneumonia (MPP). However, the role of immune system of pediatric interstitial pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae infections remains poorly understood. The aim of this study was to analyze the immunologic features of pediatric interstitial pneumonia due to Mycoplasma pneumoniae (M. pneumoniae).

Methods: A retrospective study was conducted on a primary cohort of children with MPP. Propensity score analysis was performed to match interstitial pneumonia and pulmonary consolidation children.

Results: The clinical characteristics strongly associated with the development of interstitial pneumonia were boys, age >5 years, wheezing history, hydrothorax free, lymphocytes (>3.0 × 109/L), CD19+ (>0.9 × 109/L), CD3+ (>2.5 × 109/L), CD4+ (>1.5 × 109/L), CD8+ (>0.9 × 109/L), interleukin-6 (IL-6, <30 pg/ml), IL-10 (<6 pg/ml), and interferon-γ (IFN-γ, <15 pg/ml). After propensity score analysis, children with interstitial pneumonia showed significantly higher CD19+, CD3+, and CD4+ T cell counts, and lower serum IL-6, IL-10, and IFN-γ levels. The final regression model showed that only CD4+ T cells (>1.5 × 109/L, OR = 2.473), IFN-γ (<15 pg/ml, OR = 2.250), and hydrothorax free (OR = 14.454) were correlated with the development of interstitial pneumonia among children with MPP.

Conclusions: The M. pneumoniae-induced interstitial pneumonia showed increased CD4+ T cells and lower serum IFN-γ level. Specific immunologic profiles could be involved in the development of pediatric interstitial pneumonia due to M. pneumoniae infections.
SARS-CoV-2 Switches ‘on’ MAPK and NFκB Signaling via the Reduction of Nuclear DUSP1 and DUSP5 Expression
Authors: Goel Swati , Saheb Sharif-Askari Fatemeh , Saheb Sharif Askari Narjes , Madkhana Bushra , Alwaa Ahmad Munzer , Mahboub Bassam , Zakeri Adel M , Ratemi Elaref , Hamoudi Rifat , Hamid Qutayba , Halwani Rabih
Published: April 2021

Mitogen-activated protein kinases (MAPK) and NF-kappaB (NF-κB) pathway regulate many cellular processes and are essential for immune cells function. Their activity is controlled by dual-specificity phosphatases (DUSPs). A comprehensive analysis of publicly available gene expression data sets of human airway epithelial cells (AECs) infected with SARS-CoV-2 identified DUSP1 and DUSP5 among the lowest induced transcripts within these pathways. These proteins are known to downregulate MAPK and NF-κB pathways; and their lower expression was associated with increased activity of MAPK and NF-κB signaling and enhanced expression of proinflammatory cytokines such as TNF-α. Infection with other coronaviruses did not have a similar effect on these genes. Interestingly, treatment with chloroquine and/or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs counteracted the SARS-CoV-2 induced reduction of DUSP1 and DUSP5 genes expression. Therapeutically, impeding this evasion mechanism of SARS-CoV-2 may help control the exaggerated activation of these immune regulatory pathways during a COVID-19 infection.
Electrospray Mediated Localized and Targeted Chemotherapy in a Mouse Model of Lung Cancer
Authors: Ruzgys Paulius , Böhringer Stephan , Dokumaci Ayse Sila , Hari Yvonne , Schürch Christian M. , Brühl Frido , Schürch Stefan , Szidat Sönke , Riether Carsten , Šatkauskas Saulius , Geiser Thomas , Hradetzky David , Gazdhar Amiq
Published: April 2021

Background: An advanced stage, centrally localized invasive tumor is a major cause of sudden death in lung cancer patients. Currently, chemotherapy, radiotherapy, laser ablation, or surgical resection if possible are the available state-of-the-art treatments but none of these guarantee remedy or long-term relief and are often associated with fatal complications. Allowing localized chemotherapy, by direct and confined drug delivery only at the tumor site, could be a promising option for preoperative down staging or palliative therapy. Here we report the localized and targeted application of intra tumor delivery of chemotherapeutics using a novel device based on the principle of electrospray.

Methods: C57BL/6J mice were injected with Lewis lung carcinoma cells subcutaneously. After 15 days, the animals were anesthetized and the tumors were exposed by skin incision. Tumors were electrosprayed with 100 µg cisplatin on days 0 and 2, and tumor volumes were measured daily. Animals were sacrificed on day 7 after the first electrospray and tumors were analyzed by immunohistochemistry.

Results: In this proof-of-concept study, we report that the tumor volume was reduced by 81.2% (22.46 ± 12.14 mm3) after two electrospray mediated Cisplatin deliveries, while the control tumor growth, at the same time point, increased by 200% (514.30 ± 104.50 mm3). Moreover, tunnel and Caspase-3 positive cells were increased after Cisplatin electrospray compared to other experimental groups of animals.

Conclusion: Targeted drug delivery by electrospray is efficient in the subcutaneous mouse model of lung cancer and offers a promising opportunity for further development toward its clinical application.
Integrin α4β1/VCAM-1 Interaction Evokes Dynamic Cell Aggregation Between Immune Cells and Human Lung Microvascular Endothelial Cells at Infectious Hemolysis
Authors: Lou Hai-Yan , Yan Hai-Peng , Yang Long-Gui , Fan Jiang-hua , Cho William C. , Xiao Zheng-hui , Li Shuang-Jie
Published: April 2021

Bacterial and viral infection is a common cause of pneumonia, respiratory failure, and even acute respiratory distress syndrome. Increasing evidence indicates that red blood cells (RBCs) may contribute to immune response and inflammation. However, the precise molecular mechanisms that link RBC and hemolysis to the development and progression of inflammatory pathologies are not entirely understood. In this study, we used bacterial endotoxin, lipopolysaccharide (LPS), to mimic an infectious hemolysis and found that RBCs dynamically regulated cell aggregation between immune cells and human lung microvascular endothelial cells (HLMVEC). When RBCs were treated with LPS, integrin α4β1 was increased and was accompanied by cytokines and chemokines release (TNF-α, IL-1β, IL-6, IL-8, IFN-γ, CXCL12, CCL5, CCL7 and CCL4). Upon α4β1 elevation, RBCs not only facilitated mature monocyte derived dendritic cell (mo-DCs) adhesion but also promoted HLMVEC aggregation. Furthermore, co-culture of the supernatant of LPS pre-treated RBCs with mo-DCs could promote naïve CD4 T cell proliferation. Notably, the filtered culture from LPS-lysed RBCs further promoted mo-DCs migration in a concentration dependent manner. From a therapeutic perspective, cyclic peptide inhibitor of integrin α4β1 combined with methylprednisolone (α4β1/Methrol) remarkably blocked RBCs aggregation to mo-DCs, HLMVEC, or mo-DCs and HLMVEC mixture. Moreover, α4β1/Methrol dramatically reduced mo-DCs migration up-regulated glucocorticoid-induced leucine zipper in mo-DCs, and ultimately reversed immune cell dysfunction induced by hemolysis. Taken together, these results indicate that integrin α4β1 on RBCs could mediate cell-cell interaction for adaptive immunity through influencing cell adhesion, migration, and T cell proliferation.
The Role of Intestinal Microbiota in Colorectal Cancer
Authors: Ren Lingli , Ye Juan , Zhao Bing , Sun Jinbing , Cao Peng , Yang Yang
Published: April 2021

Colorectal cancer is a multifactorial disease involving genetic, environmental, and lifestyle risk factors. Intestinal microbiota plays an important role in the occurrence and development of colorectal cancer. Studies have shown that the behavior of intestinal microbiota can lead to pathological changes in the host intestine, which can be divided into epigenetic changes and carcinogenic changes at the gene level, and ultimately promote the formation and development of colorectal cancer. Intestinal microbiota is mainly distributed in the intestinal epithelium, which is composed of a large number of microorganisms interacting with the host intestinal cells. It can affect the immune-inflammation and metabolism of the gastrointestinal tract, and may be used as a biomarker for disease diagnosis. Regulation of gut microbiota is a promising strategy for the prevention and treatment of colorectal cancer. This article reviews the role of intestinal microbiota in the development of colorectal cancer, including the related mechanisms of intestinal microbiota promoting colorectal cancer, the use of intestinal microbiota in the diagnosis of colorectal cancer, and the regulation of intestinal microbiota in the prevention or treatment of colorectal cancer.
Putting Stress in Historical Context: Why It Is Important That Being Stressed Out Was Not a Way to Be a Person 2,000 Years Ago
Authors: Hutmacher Fabian
Published: April 2021

It was not until the middle of the twentieth century that scientists and Western societies began to label the combination of physiological and psychological responses that people display when things are getting too much and out of balance as “stress.” However, stress is commonly understood as a universal mechanism that exists across times and cultures. In a certain sense, this universality claim is correct: the physiological and endocrinological mechanisms underlying the stress response are not a modern invention of our body. In another sense, the universality claim is potentially problematic: stress has become, but has not always been, a way to be a person. That is, the social practices, in which the physiological and endocrinological stress mechanisms are embedded, are not the same across times and cultures. Crucially, these social practices are not a negligible by-product, but form an essential part of the way stress is commonly understood and experienced. Against this background, one may still decide to use the word “stress” when speaking about other times and cultures. Nevertheless, one should at least be cautious when doing so for three reasons. First, using the word “stress” when referring to societies different from our own may create the impression of a similarity between then and now, which does not actually exist. Second, it may blind us to the nature of the differences between times and cultures. Third, it naturalizes a contemporary scientific concept, which is more adequately viewed as the result of complex social, historical, and societal processes. Putting the stress concept in historical context and acknowledging that its use emerged in a specific historical environment enables us to take a step back and to think about the ways that stress shapes our lives. In other words, viewing stress as a culture-bound concept can give us the possibility to reflect upon our modern societies, in which the concept emerged.
Situation Awareness Measurement in Remotely Controlled Cars
Authors: Linkov Václav , Vanžura Marek
Published: April 2021

This study reviews the current information concerning the measurement of the situation awareness (SA) of the teleoperated drivers of remotely controlled cars. The teleoperated drivers who drive these cars are in a remote location, and they control the cars through a communication interface. The objective methods with probes are beneficial in measuring SA on a closed circuit without real traffic. Questions specifically should address the information provided on the road by haptic sensations, such as the slope of the road and the vehicle's speed. Methods for measuring SA that involve probes and interruptions obviously are not suitable for use on public roads. A stable environment for the display and control of the communication interface is suitable for an eye tracker in measuring SA. These features also facilitate the use of subjective observer-rating methods. Both of these methods are suitable for driving on real roads because they are not intrusive. SA research in a real-road environment also should demonstrate how the SA of other drivers is affected by seeing a car without a driver. Given the remote character of driving, cultural differences in cognition may have a significant influence on the SA of the teleoperated driver.
Non-verbal Adaptation to the Interlocutors' Inner Characteristics: Relevance, Challenges, and Future Directions
Authors: Carrard Valerie
Published: April 2021

Human diversity cannot be denied. In our everyday social interactions, we constantly experience the fact that each individual is a unique combination of characteristics with specific cultural norms, roles, personality, and mood. Efficient social interaction thus requires an adaptation of communication behaviors to each specific interlocutor that one encounters. This is especially true for non-verbal communication that is more unconscious and automatic than verbal communication. Consequently, non-verbal communication needs to be understood as a dynamic and adaptive process in the theoretical modeling and study of social interactions. This perspective paper presents relevance, challenges, and future directions for the study of non-verbal adaptation in social interactions. It proposes that non-verbal adaptability is more pertinently studied as adaptation to interlocutor's inner characteristics (i.e., expectations or preferences) than to interlocutor's behaviorsper se, because behaviors are communication messages that individuals interpret in order to understand their interlocutors. The affiliation and control dimensions of the Interpersonal Circumplex Model are proposed as a framework to measure both the interlocutors' inner characteristics (self-reported) and the individuals' non-verbal responses (external coders). These measures can then be compared across different interactions to assess an actual change in behavior tailored to different interlocutors. These recommendations are proposed in the hope of generating more research on the topic of non-verbal adaptability. Indeed, after having gathered the evidence on average effects of non-verbal behaviors, the field can go further than a “one size fits all” approach, by investigating the predictors, moderators, and outcomes of non-verbal adaptation to the interlocutors' inner characteristics.
Joint Goals in Older Couples: Associations With Goal Progress, Allostatic Load, and Relationship Satisfaction
Authors: Ungar Nadine , Michalowski Victoria I. , Baehring Stella , Pauly Theresa , Gerstorf Denis , Ashe Maureen C. , Madden Kenneth M. , Hoppmann Christiane A.
Published: April 2021

Older adults often have long-term relationships, and many of their goals are intertwined with their respective partners. Joint goals can help or hinder goal progress. Little is known about how accurately older adults assess if a goal is joint, the role of over-reporting in these perceptions, and how joint goals and over-reporting may relate to older partners' relationship satisfaction and physical health (operationally defined as allostatic load). Two-hundred-thirty-six older adults from 118 couples (50% female; Mage = 71 years) listed their three most important goals and whether they thought of them as goals they had in common with and wanted to achieve together with their partner (self-reported joint goals). Two independent raters classified goals as “joint” if both partners independently listed open-ended goals of the same content. Goal progress and relationship satisfaction were assessed 1 week later. Allostatic load was calculated using nine different biomarkers. Results show that 85% self-reported at least one goal as joint. Over-reporting– the perception that a goal was joint when in fact it was not mentioned among the three most salient goals of the spouse – occurred in one-third of all goals. Multilevel models indicate that the number of externally-rated joint goals was related to greater goal progress and lower allostatic load, but only for adults with little over-reporting. More joint goals and higher over-reporting were each linked with more relationship satisfaction. In conclusion, joint goals are associated with goal progress, relationship satisfaction, and health, but the association is dependent on the domain of functioning.
Conceptualizing the Role of Individual Agency in Mobility Transitions: Avenues for the Integration of Sociological and Psychological Perspectives
Authors: Ruhrort Lisa , Allert Viktoria
Published: April 2021

With the release of the latest IPCC report, the urgency to steer the transport sector toward ecological sustainability has been recognized more and more broadly. To better understand, the prerequisites for a transition to sustainable mobility, we argue that interdisciplinary mobility research needs to revisit the interaction between social structures and individual agency by focusing on social norms. While critical sociological approaches stress the structural barriers to sustainable mobility, political discourse over sustainable mobility is still largely dominated by overly individualistic approaches, which focus on individual behavior change neglecting its social embeddedness. With discursive struggles over sustainable mobility intensifying, it becomes more urgent to better understand how structural contexts condition individual travel behavior, while at the same time showing how individuals engage in processes of social change. Against this backdrop, the article seeks to deepen the cooperation between sociological and psychological research in mobility transitions research. Building on a broad body of literature, we revisit recent theoretical approaches, which conceptualize the role of individual agency in sustainability transitions. On this basis, we highlight the role of social norms in mobility transitions as a key concept bridging individual behavior and social structures. Using Strong Structuration Theory as an integrative framework, we focus on the role of individual agency in processes of re-negotiation of social norms. Our main hypothesis is that individuals can contribute to mobility transitions by influencing and re-negotiating social norms, especially in the context of windows of opportunity. We analyze how focusing on the dynamic and conflicted nature of social norms can help to illustrate leverage points for a mobility transition as well as inspire future empirical research in the field. This includes that individuals can influence social norms through changing their own travel behavior as well as through engaging in discourse on transport policies.
Dreaming in Adolescents During the COVID-19 Health Crisis: Survey Among a Sample of European School Students
Authors: Guerrero-Gomez Ana , Nöthen-Garunja Isabel , Schredl Michael , Homberg Annelore , Vulcan Maria , Brusić Asja , Bonizzi Caterina , Iannaco Cecilia
Published: April 2021

According to the continuity hypothesis of dreaming and contemporary psychodynamic approaches, dreams reflect waking life. The aim of the present study was to explore the relationship between the COVID-19 pandemic and dreaming in adolescents. A cross-sectional survey was conducted in Italy, Romania and Croatia involving 2,105 secondary school students (69% girls, mean age 15.6 ± 2.1 years; 31% boys, mean age 15.1 ± 2.2 years; mean age of whole sample 15.4 ± 2.1 years). No substantial differences between countries were found. Thirty-one percent of the participants reported heightened dream recall, 18% noticed an increase in nightmares during the lockdown, and 15% of the provided dreams (n = 498) included pandemic-related content. The results indicate that subjective emotional reactions to lockdown had a significantly higher correlation to dreaming than objective distress (i.e., illness or death of a close one because of COVID-19). These findings suggest that attention to dreams should be included in preventive programs for adolescents with pandemic-related stress.
Identifying the Links Between Trauma and Social Adjustment: Implications for More Effective Psychotherapy With Traumatized Youth
Authors: Ahmadi Forooshani Sayedhabibollah , Murray Kate , Khawaja Nigar , Izadikhah Zahra
Published: April 2021

Background: Past research has highlighted the role of trauma in social adjustment problems, but little is known about the underlying process. This is a barrier to developing effective interventions for social adjustment of traumatized individuals. The present study addressed this research gap through a cognitive model.

Methods: A total of 604 young adults (aged 18–24; living in Australia) from different backgrounds (refugee, non-refugee immigrant, and Australian) were assessed through self-report questionnaires. The data were analyzed through path analysis and multivariate analysis of variance. Two path analyses were conducted separately for migrant (including non-refugee and refugee immigrants) and Australian groups.

Results: Analyses indicated that cognitive avoidance and social problem solving can significantly mediate the relation between trauma and social adjustment (p < 0.05). The model explaining this process statistically fit the data (e.g., NFI, TLI, CFI > 0.95). According to the model, reacting to trauma by cognitive avoidance (i.e., chronic thought suppression and over-general autobiographical memory) can disturb the cognitive capacities that are required for social problem solving. Consequently, a lack of effective social problem solving significantly hinders social adjustment. There were no significant differences among the Australian, non-refugee immigrant and refugee participants on the dependent variables. Moreover, the hypothesized links between the variables was confirmed similarly for both migrant (including refugee and non-refugee immigrants) and Australian groups.

Conclusion: The findings have important implications for interventions targeting the social adjustment of young individuals. We assert that overlooking the processes identified in this study, can hinder the improvement of social adjustment in young adults with a history of trauma. Recommendations for future research and practice are discussed.
The Relationship of Fear of Death Between Neuroticism and Anxiety During the Covid-19 Pandemic
Authors: Pérez-Mengual Núria , Aragonés-Barbera Inmaculada , Moret-Tatay Carmen , Moliner-Albero Adoración Reyes
Published: April 2021

After a lockdown, particularly one where human life is at risk, there are expected to be psychological consequences. The examination of personality traits, where different adaptative and non-adaptative behaviors in the face of adversity are expected, is our interest. The aim of this research was to analyze the role fear of personal death played during the Covid-19 outbreak in relation to personality and anxiety. The main results can be described as follows: women displayed higher scores on anxiety and fear of personal death; gender, fear of personal death, neuroticism, and extraversion predicted anxiety; in men, the fear of personal death mediated the relationship between neuroticism and anxiety.
Donor Commitments and Disbursements for Sexual and Reproductive Health Aid in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia
Authors: Kibira Denis , Asiimwe Cornelia , Muwonge Moses , van den Ham Hendrika A. , Reed Tim , Leufkens Hubert G. , Mantel-Teeuwisse Aukje K.
Published: April 2021

Background: Sexual and Reproductive Health and Rights (SRHR) investments are critical to people's well-being. However, despite the demonstrated returns on investments, underfunding of SRHR still persists. The objective of this study was to characterize donor commitments and disbursements to SRH aid in four sub-Saharan countries of Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda and Zambia and to compare trends in donor aids with SRH outcome and impact indicators for each of these countries.

Methods: The study is a secondary analysis of data from the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development's Assistance creditor reporting system and SRH indicator data from the Global Health Observatory and country demographic health surveys for a 16-year period (2002–2017). We downloaded and compared commitments to disbursements of all donors for population policies, programs and reproductive health for the four African countries. SRH indicators were stratified into health facility level process/outcome indicators (modern contraceptive prevalence rate, unmet need for family planning, antenatal care coverage and skilled birth attendance) and health impact level indicators (maternal mortality ratio, newborn mortality rate, infant mortality rate and under five mortality rate).

Results: Donor commitments for SRH aid grew on average by 20% while disbursements grew by 21% annually between 2002 and 2017. The overall disbursement rate was 93%. Development Assistance Cooperation (DAC) countries donated the largest proportion (79%) of aid. Kenya took 33% of total aid, followed by Tanzania 26%, Uganda 23% and then Zambia (18%). There was improvement in all SRH outcome and impact indicators, but not enough to meet targets.

Conclusion: Donor aid to SRH grew over time and in the same period indicators improved, but improvement remained slow. Unpredictability and insufficiency of aid may be disruptive to recipient country planning. Donors and low- and middle-income countries should increase funding in order to meet global SRHR targets.
The Role of the Physical and Social Environment in Observed and Self-Reported Park Use in Low-Income Neighborhoods in New York City
Authors: Otero Peña Javier E. , Kodali Hanish , Ferris Emily , Wyka Katarzyna , Low Setha , Evenson Kelly R. , Dorn Joan M. , Thorpe Lorna E. , Huang Terry T. K.
Published: April 2021

Physical and social environments of parks and neighborhoods influence park use, but the extent of their relative influence remains unclear. This cross-sectional study examined the relationship between the physical and social environment of parks and both observed and self-reported park use in low-income neighborhoods in New York City. We conducted community- (n = 54 parks) and individual-level (n = 904 residents) analyses. At the community level, observed park use was measured using a validated park audit tool and regressed on the number of facilities and programmed activities in parks, violent crime, stop-and-frisk incidents, and traffic accidents. At the individual level, self-reported park use was regressed on perceived park quality, crime, traffic-related walkability, park use by others, and social cohesion and trust. Data were collected in 2016–2018 and analyzed in 2019–2020. At the community level, observed park use was negatively associated with stop-and-frisk (β = −0.04; SE = 0.02; p < 0.05) and positively associated with the number of park facilities (β = 1.46; SE = 0.57; p < 0.05) and events (β = 0.16; SE = 0.16; p < 0.01). At the individual level, self-reported park use was positively associated with the social cohesion and trust scale (β = 0.02; SE = 0.01; p < 0.05). These results indicate that physical and social attributes of parks, but not perceptions of parks, were significantly associated with park use. The social environment of neighborhoods at both community and individual levels was significantly related to park use. Policies for increasing park use should focus on improving the social environment of parks and surrounding communities, not only parks' physical attributes. These findings can inform urban planning and public health interventions aimed at improving the well-being of residents in low-income communities.
Genetic Characterization of a Sheep Population in Oaxaca, Mexico: The Chocholteca Creole
Authors: Salinas-Rios Teodulo , Hernández-Bautista Jorge , Mariscal-Méndez Araceli , Aquino-Cleto Magaly , Martínez-Martínez Amparo , Rodríguez-Magadán Héctor Maximino
Published: April 2021

Creole sheep in México have undergone crossbreeding, provoking the loss of genetic variability. The objective of the present study is to determine the intra-racial genetic diversity, the genetic relationship with other genotypes, and the populational substructure of the Oaxacan Creole sheep. Twenty-nine blood samples were obtained of Creole sheep of the Oaxaca Mixteca region in México. A genetic analysis was made with 41 microsatellites recommended for studies of genetic diversity in sheep. An analysis was made of genetic diversity, populational structure, and genetic distance with 27 other sheep populations. The study found 205 alleles with a range of 2 to 9 by locus and an effective number of 3.33. The intra-racial analysis showed a moderate genetic diversity with values of expected heterozygosity of 0.686 and observed of 0.756, a mean polymorphic information content of 0.609, and a mean coefficient of consanguinity of −0.002. In interracial genetic diversity for the coefficients of consanguinity, the values were FIS = 0.0774, FIT = 0.16993, and FST = 0.10028, showing an elevated genetic distance with other creole breeds, but close to Argentine Creole, to another Creole of México and the Spanish Merino. Its genetic structure showed that it does not have any populational subdivision nor mixes with the others analyzed. It is concluded that it is a distinct and isolated population and is proposed as the creole breed “Chocholteca” for its conservation.
Freedom to Grow: Improving Sow Welfare also Benefits Piglets
Authors: Kinane Orla , Butler Fidelma , O’Driscoll Keelin
Published: April 2021

Piglet mortality, especially due to crushing, is a concern in pig production. While current systems use farrowing crates to reduce mortality, they present major animal welfare problems for the sow. This study investigated the effects of free lactation farrowing accommodation on the welfare of piglets born and reared in such accommodation when compared with conventional farrowing crates. Piglets were born to sows in one of two farrowing accommodation treatments and followed from birth to slaughter. Treatments were conventional farrowing crates (control, n = 24 litters) and free lactation pens, which were larger and allowed the sow freedom of movement both pre and post farrowing, (free, n = 22 litters) (675 total piglets). Individual weights were recorded from birth to slaughter. Hoof score was recorded at weaning. Behaviour was recorded during lactation and during the weaner stage. Pre-weaning percentage mortality was equal in treatments (free = 15.95 ± 2.31, control = 14.42 ± 2.15, p = 0.61). Final weight was influenced by treatment (p < 0.05) with pigs from free lactation pens significantly heavier at 114.73 kg compared to 110.82 kg for control pigs. Free pigs took fewer days than control pigs to reach the target weight of 105 kg (147.6 vs. 149.23 days). Throughout lactation, fewer instances of damaging behaviour (ear and tail biting) were observed in free pigs (p = 0.07). Improved growth rates and a decrease in damaging behaviours provide evidence to suggest that pigs from free lactation pens experience improved welfare when compared with control pigs.
The Effect of Colistin Treatment on the Selection of Colistin-Resistant Escherichia coli in Weaner Pigs
Authors: Ahmed Shahana , Hansen Claus , Dahlkilde Ane Laursen , Herrero-Fresno Ana , Pedersen Ken Steen , Nielsen Jens Peter , Olsen John Elmerdahl
Published: April 2021

The treatment of diarrhea in the postweaning period is a common reason for the use of antimicrobials in pig production, and Escherichia coli is the single most important causative agent for this condition. Colistin has recently been classified as a critically important antimicrobial for human health, as it is a last-resort drug against certain multi-drug-resistant Gram-negative bacteria. Therefore, the use of colistin has been significantly reduced in some countries, including Denmark. Despite this, the drug is still commonly used to treat diarrhea in pigs in many countries, and there is a need to understand the risks associated with this practice. We performed a prospective cohort study to investigate the effect of colistin treatment on the changes in the average minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) in commensal E. coli in a pig herd where no colistin-resistant bacteria were detectable before treatment. One group of pigs was batch treated with colistin after the clinical observation of diarrhea, one group was batch treated with colistin approximately 10 days before the expected onset of diarrhea, and a control group was not treated with colistin but provided with nonantimicrobial antidiarrheal feed supplement. Treatment with colistin in the dose and time combinations used did not result in a significant increase in the average colistin MIC values in E. coli. Moreover, no E. coli strains showed a MIC above the breakpoint of >2 mg/L against colistin. Co-selection of resistance to other antimicrobials was not observed.
Evaluation of the MeroRisk Calculator, A User-Friendly Tool to Predict the Risk of Meropenem Target Non-Attainment in Critically Ill Patients
Authors: Liebchen Uwe , Klose Marian , Paal Michael , Vogeser Michael , Zoller Michael , Schroeder Ines , Schmitt Lisa , Huisinga Wilhelm , Michelet Robin , Zander Johannes , Scharf Christina , Weinelt Ferdinand A. , Kloft Charlotte
Published: April 2021

Background: The MeroRisk-calculator, an easy-to-use tool to determine the risk of meropenem target non-attainment after standard dosing (1000 mg; q8h), uses a patient’s creatinine clearance and the minimum inhibitory concentration (MIC) of the pathogen. In clinical practice, however, the MIC is rarely available. The objectives were to evaluate the MeroRisk-calculator and to extend risk assessment by including general pathogen sensitivity data. Methods: Using a clinical routine dataset (155 patients, 891 samples), a direct data-based evaluation was not feasible. Thus, in step 1, the performance of a pharmacokinetic model was determined for predicting the measured concentrations. In step 2, the PK model was used for a model-based evaluation of the MeroRisk-calculator: risk of target non-attainment was calculated using the PK model and agreement with the MeroRisk-calculator was determined by a visual and statistical (Lin’s concordance correlation coefficient (CCC)) analysis for MIC values 0.125–16 mg/L. The MeroRisk-calculator was extended to include risk assessment based on EUCAST-MIC distributions and cumulative-fraction-of-response analysis. Results: Step 1 showed a negligible bias of the PK model to underpredict concentrations (−0.84 mg/L). Step 2 revealed a high level of agreement between risk of target non-attainment predictions for creatinine clearances >50 mL/min (CCC = 0.990), but considerable deviations for patients <50 mL/min. For 27% of EUCAST-listed pathogens the median cumulative-fraction-of-response for the observed patients receiving standard dosing was < 90%. Conclusions: The MeroRisk-calculator was successfully evaluated: For patients with maintained renal function it allows a reliable and user-friendly risk assessment. The integration of pathogen-based risk assessment substantially increases the applicability of the tool.
Functional and Healthy Features of Conventional and Non-Conventional Sourdoughs
Authors: De Vero Luciana , Iosca Giovanna , Gullo Maria , Pulvirenti Andrea
Published: April 2021

Sourdough is a composite ecosystem largely characterized by yeasts and lactic acid bacteria which are the main players in the fermentation process. The specific strains involved are influenced by several factors including the chemical and enzyme composition of the flour and the sourdough production technology. For many decades the scientific community has explored the microbiological, biochemical, technological and nutritional potential of sourdoughs. Traditionally, sourdoughs have been used to improve the organoleptic properties, texture, digestibility, palatability, and safety of bread and other kinds of baked products. Recently, novel sourdough-based biotechnological applications have been proposed to meet the demand of consumers for healthier and more natural food and offer new inputs for the food industry. Many researchers have focused on the beneficial effects of specific enzymatic activities or compounds, such as exopolysaccharides, with both technological and functional roles. Additionally, many studies have explored the ability of sourdough lactic acid bacteria to produce antifungal compounds for use as bio-preservatives. This review provides an overview of the fundamental features of sourdoughs and their exploitation to develop high value-added products with beneficial microorganisms and/or their metabolites, which can positively impact human health.