bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
CircRNA circ_0008037 facilitates tumor growth and the Warburg effect via upregulating NUCKS1 by binding to miR‐433‐3p in non‐small cell lung cancer
Authors: Yu Jia , Zhang Haining , Zhao Chunsheng , Li Guanghui , Zhang Yingying , Sun Yang
Published: December 2021

Background

Circular RNAs (circRNAs) participate in the genesis and progression of tumors, including non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC). At present, the role and regulatory mechanisms of circRNAs in NSCLC have not been fully elucidated. The aim of this study was to explore the role and regulatory mechanism of circRNA hsa_circ_0008037 (circ_0008037) in NSCLC.

Methods

Expression of circ_0008037 in NSCLC tissues and cells was detected by quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction (RT‐qPCR). Loss‐of‐function experiments were performed to analyze the influence of circ_0008037 knockdown on proliferation, migration, invasion, and the Warburg effect of NSCLC cells. Western blotting was utilized for protein analysis. The regulatory mechanism of circ_0008037 was surveyed by bioinformatics analysis, RNA pulldown assay, and dual‐luciferase reporter assay. Xenograft assay was used to validate the oncogenicity of circ_0008037 in NSCLC in vivo.

Results

Circ_0008037 was upregulated in NSCLC tissues and cells. Circ_0008037 downregulation reduced tumor growth in vivo and repressed proliferation, migration, invasion, and decreased the Warburg effect of NSCLC cells in vitro. Mechanically, circ_0008037 regulated nuclear ubiquitous casein kinase and cyclin‐dependent kinase substrate 1 (NUCKS1) expression via sponging miR‐433‐3p. Furthermore, MiR‐433‐3p inhibitor reversed the inhibiting influence of circ_0008037 silencing on proliferation, migration, invasion, and the Warburg effect of NSCLC cells. Also, NUCKS1 elevation overturned the repressive influence of miR‐433‐3p mimic on proliferation, migration, invasion, and the Warburg effect of NSCLC cells.

Conclusion

Circ_0008037 accelerated tumor growth and elevated the Warburg effect via regulating NUCKS1 expression by adsorbing miR‐433‐3p, providing an underlying target for NSCLC treatment.
Videolaryngoscopy vs. direct Macintosh laryngoscopy in tracheal intubation in adults: a ranking systematic review and network meta‐analysis
Authors: de Carvalho C. C. , da Silva D. M. , Lemos V. M. , dos Santos T. G. B. , Agra I. C. , Pinto G. M. , Ramos I. B. , Costa Y. S. C. , Santos Neto J. M.
Published: December 2021

Videolaryngoscopes are thought to improve glottic view and facilitate tracheal intubation compared with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope. However, we currently do not know which one would be the best choice in most patients undergoing anaesthesia. We designed this systematic review with network meta‐analyses to rank the different videolaryngoscopes and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope. We conducted searches in PubMed and a further five databases on 11 January 2021. We included randomised clinical trials with patients aged ≥16 years, comparing different videolaryngoscopes, or videolaryngoscopes with the Macintosh direct laryngoscope for the outcomes: failed intubation; failed first intubation attempt; failed intubation within two attempts; difficult intubation; percentage of glottic opening seen; difficult laryngoscopy; and time needed for intubation. We assessed the quality of evidence according to GRADE recommendations and included 179 studies in the meta‐analyses. The C‐MAC and C‐MAC D‐Blade were top ranked for avoiding failed intubation, but we did not find statistically significant differences between any two distinct videolaryngoscopes for this outcome. Further, the C‐MAC D‐Blade performed significantly better than the C‐MAC Macintosh blade for difficult laryngoscopy. We found statistically significant differences between the laryngoscopes for time to intubation, but these differences were not considered clinically relevant. The evidence was judged as of low or very low quality overall. In conclusion, different videolaryngoscopes have differential intubation performance and some may be currently preferred among the available devices. Furthermore, videolaryngoscopes and the Macintosh direct laryngoscope may be considered clinically equivalent for the time taken for tracheal intubation. However, despite the rankings from our analyses, the current available evidence is not sufficient to ensure significant superiority of one device or a small set of them over the others for our intubation‐related outcomes.
Oxcarbazepine was associated with risks of newly developed hypothyroxinaemia and impaired central set point of thyroid homeostasis in schizophrenia patients
Authors: Zhai Desheng , Chen Jinni , Guo Baoqiang , Retnakaran Ravi , Gao Songyin , Zhang Xiangyang , Hao Wei , Zhang Ruiling , Zhao Ying , Wen Shi Wu
Published: December 2021

Aims

Hypothyroxinaemia might be easily ignored, because attention is typically paid to individuals with elevated thyroid stimulating hormone (TSH). In this study, we aimed to evaluate the association of oxcarbazepine use as adjuvant for treatment of schizophrenia with hypothyroxinaemia and central set point of thyroid homeostasis.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study was conducted in the Second Affiliated Hospital of Xinxiang Medical University. Inpatients with a diagnosis of schizophrenia admitted between January 2016 and October 2019 with normal thyroid function at admission were included. Oxcarbazepine use was the exposure measure. Newly developed hypothyroxinaemia was the primary outcome measure and parameters of thyroid homeostasis central set point as measured by TSH index and thyroid feedback quantile‐based index (TFQI) were the secondary outcome measures.

Results

In total, 1207 eligible patients were included. The occurrence of hypothyroxinaemia in patients who received oxcarbazepine was higher (35/107, 32.7%) than in those patients who did not (152/1099, 13.8%), with adjusted relative risk of 2.24 and 95% confidence interval of 1.57 and 3.17. Oxcarbazepine use was associated with greater reduction in TSH index (adjusted β −0.33 and 95% confidence interval −0.48, −0.19) and TFQI (adjusted β −0.24 and 95% confidence interval −0.31, −0.16).

Conclusion

Oxcarbazepine use was independently associated with increased risk of developing hypothyroxinaemia, and greater reduction in TSH index and TFQI, suggesting that impaired central set point of thyroid homeostasis might be involved in the mechanism of oxcarbazepine‐induced hypothyroxinaemia.
The prevalence of health problems and their association with physical activity in caregivers of children with disabilities: 2018 National Health Interview Survey
Authors: Ghim Seungbeen , Ku Byungmo
Published: December 2021

Background

Caregivers of children with disabilities often experience poor health. One way for caregivers to promote their own health may be to participate in physical activity (PA).

Aims

The purpose of this study was to examine the association between PA and psychological and physical health problems in caregivers of children with disabilities.

Methods

The 2018 National Health Interview Survey (NHIS) data were used, and 890 household representatives were identified as caregivers of children with disabilities. Based on the national PA guidelines, caregivers were classified into three groups: inactive (IA), aerobically active (AA), and aerobically and muscularly active (AMA).

Results

Multivariable logistic regression indicated that the AMA group had a lower likelihood of reporting depression compared to the IA group (OR: 0.73 [95% confidence interval: 0.54, 0.98]). The AMA group also had a lower likelihood of reporting back pain and obesity compared to the IA group (OR:0.69 [95% confidence interval: 0.56, 0.84] and OR:0.63 [95% confidence interval: 0.52, 0.76], respectively).

Conclusions

The results of the current study suggest that caregivers of children with disabilities may benefit from PA, especially from the combination of aerobic and muscle‐strengthening PA.
Visual habilitation in young children with visual impairment
Authors: Sahli Esra , Bingol Kiziltunc Pinar , Idil Aysun
Published: December 2021

Purpose

To evaluate the effectiveness of the visual habilitation programme in improving the visual functions of visually impaired children under 3 years old.

Methods

Case records of children with visual impairment (VI) who had at least 1 follow‐up visit were reviewed. Children's visual functions were scored between 0 and 15 based on mainly fixation and following skills. Differences in patients' visual function score (VFS) between the time of the presentation and the last follow‐up visit were recorded.

Results

One hundred thirty children with VI (63 male and 67 female) were identified. The mean age at the presentation was 13.94 ± 9.23 months, and the mean follow‐up was 12.79 ± 9.4 months. Forty of the patients had ocular, 70 of them had cerebral, and 20 of them had combined VI. Correlations were found between the age of the patients at the presentation and the initial VFS; and gestational age and the initial VFS (p ˂ 0.001, r = 0.332; p ˂ 0.05, r = 0.262, respectively). Vision improvement was noted in ocular, cerebral and combined VI groups. No significant difference among the groups was found (p = 0.430). There was a significant difference between the change in the VFSs of those who attended the special education and rehabilitation centre regularly for 2 h a week and had regular visual stimulation for 8–10 sessions every day at home and those who did not go to the centre and did not receive any visual stimulation by their parents at home (p ˂ 0.001).

Conclusions

The visual functions of visually impaired children can be improved by habilitation, which includes visual stimulation programmes.
Segmental undergrowth is associated with pathogenic variants in vascular malformation genes: A retrospective case‐series study
Authors: Martinez‐Glez Victor , Rodriguez‐Laguna Lara , Viana‐Huete Vanesa , García Torrijos Carolina , Hurtado Begoña , Lapunzina Pablo , Triana Paloma , López‐Gutiérrez Juan Carlos
Published: December 2021

Segmental overgrowth has been widely described in patients with congenital vascular anomalies. However, segmental undergrowth has been poorly characterized, and no large series of patients have been published. We present the clinical and molecular characteristics a cohort of 37 patients with vascular malformations and segmental undergrowth. True undergrowth was only considered when the musculoskeletal system was involved to avoid confusion with other causes of segmental reduction, as in lipodystrophy or the long‐term osteopenia seen in patients with Servelle–Martorell syndrome. Deep high‐throughput sequencing was performed in tissue samples from 20 patients using a custom panel. We identified three groups: undergrowth associated with (1) venous, (2) capillary‐venous, and (3) lymphatic‐capillary‐venous malformations. Congenital or early childhood onset undergrowth can occur with or without associated overgrowth. Different likely pathogenic or pathogenic variants were detected in 13 of 20 (65%) tissue samples in the PIK3CA, TEK, GNAQ, or GNA11 genes. In conclusion, the eponymous Servelle–Martorell syndrome should not be used as a synonym for undergrowth. Segmental undergrowth should be considered a characteristic associated with vascular malformations. Patients with PIK3CA variants show all different combinations of overgrowth and undergrowth. Thus, the term PROS (PIK3CA‐related overgrowth spectrum) does not cover the entire spectrum.
Can a large‐landscapeconservation vision contribute to achieving biodiversity targets?
Authors: Hebblewhite Mark , Hilty Jodi A. , Williams Sara , Locke Harvey , Chester Charles , Johns David , Kehm Gregory , Francis Wendy L.
Published: December 2021

Founded in 1993, the Yellowstone to Yukon (Y2Y) vision was one of the earliest large‐landscape conservation visions. Despite growing recognition of large‐landscape conservation strategies, there have been few tests to date of conservation gains achieved through such approaches. We tested for conservation gains in the Y2Y region of North America following initiation of the Y2Y conservation vision in 1993 using a counterfactual spatiotemporal comparison and tracking change in five different conservation metrics. First, we enumerated the area of land within Y2Y in designated protected areas. We then compared the rate of change of protected area growth before‐ and after‐initiation of Y2Y in 1993 and to two adjacent counterfactual regions. Protected areas in the Y2Y grew by 7.8%, increasing by 107,289 km2, exceeding the Aichi target of 17% of the area under protection by 2018. More importantly, the rate of protected area growth increased 90% following initiation of the Y2Y large‐landscape conservation vision in 1993, whereas protected area growth declined in adjacent regions, or remained constant throughout North America. Sustained growth in protected areas and private land conservation was complemented by expansion of endangered grizzly bears in the U.S. portion of Y2Y, the greatest global expansion from zero to at least 117 wildlife road‐crossing structures and growing mainstreaming coverage of the Y2Y vision. Our counterfactual comparison provides valuable evidence that large‐landscape conservation strategies such as Y2Y can enhance protected area growth and other conservation metrics. We conclude that large‐landscape conservation strategies may be a useful model for achieving global large‐landscape conservation and biodiversity conservation targets.
“Indian” strains of Trichophyton mentagrophytes with reduced itraconazole susceptibility in Germany
Authors: Brasch Jochen , Gräser Yvonne , Beck‐Jendroscheck Vera , Voss Karen , Torz Kaspar , Walther Grit , Schwarz Thomas
Published: December 2021

We use published reports and three of our own tinea cases as an opportunity to report on “Indian” strains of Trichophyton (T.) mentagrophytes with ITS genotype VIII and reduced susceptibility to itraconazole due to the mutation c.1342G>A in the SQLE gene in Germany. In vitro measurements of resistance revealed normal susceptibility to terbinafine, but markedly reduced susceptibility to itraconazole – although no valid breakpoints are currently defined and minimum inhibitory concentrations (MICs) depend on the methods used. Problems related to the determination and interpretation of MICs are outlined. Our cases show that azole‐resistant “Indian” strains of T. mentagrophytes with ITS genotype VIII occurred in Germany as early as 2011, which is earlier than was previously assumed. This variant of the pathogen cannot be phenotypically distinguished from customary strains of T. mentagrophytes; its identification is based on genetics. The taxonomic classification is still under debate. This variant is anthropophilic and causes only mildly inflammatory tinea lesions with many fungal elements. Its further dissemination must therefore be expected. Prerequisites for rapid and valid antimycotic testing against dermatophytes need to be developed.
Identifying pathways to early‐onset metabolic dysfunction, insulin resistance and inflammation in young adult inpatients with emerging affective and major mood disorders
Authors: Tickell Ashleigh M. , Rohleder Cathrin , Ho Nicholas , McHugh Catherine , Jones Graham , Song Yun Ju Christine , Hickie Ian B. , Scott Elizabeth M.
Published: December 2021

Aim

Young people with common mood disorders face the prospect of shortened life expectancy largely due to premature cardiovascular disease. Metabolic dysfunction is a risk factor for premature cardiovascular disease. There is an ongoing debate whether metabolic dysfunction can be simply explained by weight gain secondary to psychotropic medications or whether shared genetic vulnerability, intrinsic immune‐metabolic disturbances or other system perturbations (e.g. dysregulated sympathetic nervous system, circadian dysfunction) are more relevant determinants of premature cardiovascular disease. Thus, we aimed to investigate underlying drivers of metabolic dysfunction and premature cardiovascular disease in young people in the early phases of common mood disorders.

Methods

We evaluated the relationships between insulin resistance (assessed by HOMA2‐IR) and body mass index (BMI), sex, diagnosis, medication, inflammatory markers and hormonal factors in 327 inpatients with emerging affective and major mood disorders admitted to the Young Adult Mental Health Unit, St Vincent's Private Hospital, Sydney.

Results

While HOMA2‐IR scores were positively associated with BMI (rs = 0.465, p < .001), they were also higher in those prescribed mood stabilizers (p = .044) but were not associated with specific diagnoses, other medication types or the number of prescribed medications. Further, high‐sensitivity C‐reactive protein levels (but not thyroid‐stimulating hormone and ferritin levels) were positively associated with HOMA2‐IR (rs = 0. 272, p < .001) and BMI (rs = . 409, p < .001).

Conclusions

In addition to BMI, other non‐specific markers of inflammation are associated with early metabolic dysfunction in young people with emerging affective and major mood disorders.
Association between number of remaining teeth and healthy aging in Japanese older people: The Ohsaki Cohort 2006 Study
Authors: Matsuyama Sanae , Lu Yukai , Aida Jun , Tanji Fumiya , Tsuji Ichiro
Published: December 2021

Aim

Maintaining ≥20 teeth is a public health goal worldwide. Healthy aging, which includes psychological and social well‐being, as well as physical indicators, has attracted a great deal of attention with the progression of aging societies. However, no studies have examined the association between the number of remaining teeth and healthy aging. This study aimed to investigate the association between the number of remaining teeth and healthy aging.

Methods

This community‐based longitudinal cohort study included 8300 Japanese people aged ≥65 years who were free of disability and depression in the baseline survey in 2006. The participants were categorized into four groups according to the number of remaining teeth at baseline: 0–9, 10–19, 20–24 and ≥25. The primary outcome was healthy aging (defined as meeting all four of the following criteria: free of disability, free of depression, high health‐related quality of life and high life satisfaction), as assessed by a questionnaire survey carried out in 2017. Multiple logistic regression was used to calculate the corresponding odds ratios and 95% confidence intervals.

Results

During about 11 years of follow‐up, 621 (7.5%) participants attained healthy aging. Participants with ≥20 remaining teeth showed a higher healthy aging rate. Compared with participants with 0–9 teeth, the multivariate‐adjusted odds ratios (95% confidence intervals) for 10–19, 20–24 and ≥25 teeth were 0.98 (0.77–1.26), 1.28 (1.01–1.63) and 1.59 (1.24–2.03), respectively.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that maintaining ≥20 teeth was associated with healthy aging. Geriatr Gerontol Int 2022; 22: 68–74.
Modeling PFAS Fate and Transport in Groundwater, with and Without Precursor Transformation
Authors: Gefell Michael J. , Huang Hai , Opdyke Dan , Gustafson Kyle , Vlassopoulos Dimitri , McCray John E. , Best Sam , Carey Minna
Published: December 2021

Groundwater professionals require tools to evaluate a variety of technical issues related to per‐ and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). These include the potential impact of PFAS precursors on groundwater plumes of perfluoroalkyl acids (PFAAs). Numerical modeling results show that, by adjusting the mass loading rate, source zones with or without a precursor can produce similar PFAA plumes. However, if a precursor is present, it can impact PFAA plume concentrations and extend PFAA plume durations by decades. Additional research regarding in situ precursor transformation rates—and improvements in source area characterization—will further advance the predictive value of modeling.
Human trafficking, information campaigns and public awareness in Moldova: Why do anti‐trafficking organizations operate under inaccurate assumptions?
Authors: Bogdan Ludmila
Published: December 2021

The assumption that the rural public lacks sufficient knowledge about human trafficking and that providing more awareness will reduce it still dominates the anti‐trafficking field. However, relying on original empirical data from Moldova, I found that rural people are more informed about this problem than other surveyed groups. First, they became more knowledgeable about trafficking precisely because of organizations’ targeting strategies. Second, they are more incentivized to learn about this problem because it happens in proximity, and the information spreads easier in rural places. This paper challenges the organizational assumptions in Moldova, relying on Grunig and Miller's theory on organizations with an asymmetrical worldview. I argue that anti‐trafficking institutions’ asymmetry leads to inaccurate assumptions and eventually can lead to flawed anti‐trafficking policies.
Distinct contributions of drought avoidance and drought tolerance to yield improvement in dryland wheat cropping
Authors: Li Pu‐Fang , Ma Bao‐Luo , Palta Jairo A. , Ding Tong‐Tong , Cheng Zheng‐Guo , Xiong You‐Cai
Published: December 2021

Crop avoidance and tolerance strategies are critical adaptive mechanisms of drought stress and play different roles in grain yield. However, little is known about the contribution of these two mechanisms to grain yield in old and modern wheat genotypes. Here, pot and field experiments were carried out to characterize and compare the mechanisms of drought avoidance and drought tolerance, and determine their differential contributions to the yield in six wheat genotypes. The pot experiment results demonstrated that the old genotypes acquired a better avoidance ability to adapt to drought stress. These avoidance abilities include larger root systems, lower leaf areas, low stomatal conductance, pale green leaf colour, higher degrees of leaf rolling and leaf waxiness. The modern genotypes displayed stronger drought tolerance advantages, such as high osmotic adjustment and antioxidant enzyme activity, and a smaller root system. Our field experiment further showed that under severe water‐deficit conditions, the old genotypes with stronger drought avoidance traits had higher yields and water use efficiency (WUEg), whereas the modern genotypes with strong drought tolerance characteristics produced higher yields and had higher WUEg under mild and intermediate water deficits. The results indicate that the relative contribution of drought tolerance and drought avoidance to grain yield depends to a large extent on the degree of drought stress and genotypes. Understanding the differential plant response depending on genotype and drought stress may help plant breeders develop drought‐resistant varieties suitable for drought‐prone environments under anticipated climate change scenarios.
Alkaline lysis‐loop mediated isothermal amplification assay for rapid and on‐site authentication of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) meat
Authors: Girish Patil S. , Kumari Aparana , Gireesh‐Babu Pathakota , Karabasanavar Nagappa S. , Raja Balamanikandan , Ramakrishna Chitimalla , Barbuddhe Sukhadeo B.
Published: December 2021

India is the largest producer and exporter of buffalo (Bubalus bubalis) meat in the world. But there are restrictions on the slaughter of cattle (Bos indicus/Bos taurus) and export of beef (cattle meat) from the country. This led to the incidences of misrepresentation of beef and other low cost meat as buffalo meat during export and hence necessitates reliable techniques for species authentication of buffalo meat. Tests need to be rapid to ensure that export consignments are not held for a long time while meat samples are being authenticated. In the present study, a rapid assay for authentication of buffalo meat was developed by employing alkaline lysis (AL) method of DNA extraction and loop‐mediated isothermal amplification (LAMP) using novel primers designed to target mitochondrial D loop region. The results of the AL‐LAMP assay were visualized by SYBR Green I dye. Further, the LAMP amplification was confirmed by agarose gel electrophoresis and fluorometry. The developed AL‐LAMP assay was validated using raw, heat treated, and admixed/adulterated buffalo meat samples. The AL‐LAMP assay could be carried out with minimum instrumentation and hence, holds potential for use as on‐site assay for species authentication of buffalo meat.
Economic Slowdown and Housing Dynamics in China: A Tale of Two Investments by Firms
Authors: DONG FENG , GUO YUMEI , PENG YUCHAO , XU ZHIWEI
Published: December 2021

We study the housing boom and economic slowdown in China in a dynamic New Keynesian model. The model features a novel channel of firms' dynamic portfolio choice between physical and housing investment. Housing assets earn a positive return and can be used as collateral for the firm's external finances. A negative productivity shock decreases the relative return of production capital, which translates into a housing boom by increasing the firm's housing demand. A rise in house prices then generates competing effects on real investment: it raises the firm's leverage due to the collateral effect and depresses the firm's demand for physical capital because of the crowding‐out effect. After calibrating the model for the Chinese economy, our quantitative exercise suggests the former effect is dominated by the latter, resulting in countercyclical housing prices. The policy analysis shows that the capital subsidization policy targeting house prices performs better than other macro‐economic policies.
Progesterone receptor‐Src kinase signaling pathway mediates neuroprogesterone induction of the luteinizing hormone surge in female rats
Authors: Chuon Timbora , Feri Micah , Carlson Claire , Ondrejik Sharity , Micevych Paul E , Sinchak Kevin
Published: December 2021

Neural circuits in female rats are exposed to sequential estradiol and progesterone to regulate the release of luteinizing hormone (LH) and ultimately ovulation. Estradiol induces progesterone receptors (PGRs) in anteroventral periventricular nucleus (AVPV) kisspeptin neurons, and as estradiol reaches peak concentrations, neuroprogesterone (neuroP) synthesis is induced in hypothalamic astrocytes. This local neuroP signals to PGRs expressed in kisspeptin neurons to trigger the LH surge. We tested the hypothesis that neuroP‐PGR signaling through Src family kinase (Src) underlies the LH surge. As observed in vitro, PGR and Src are co‐expressed in AVPV neurons. Estradiol treatment increased the number of PGR immunopositive cells and PGR and Src colocalization. Furthermore, estradiol treatment increased the number of AVPV cells that had extranuclear PGR and Src in close proximity (< 40 nm). Infusion of the Src inhibitor (PP2) into the AVPV region of ovariectomized/adrenalectomized (ovx/adx) rats attenuated the LH surge in trunk blood collected 53 h post‐estradiol (50 µg) injection that induced neuroP synthesis. Although PP2 reduced the LH surge in estradiol benzoate treated ovx/adx rats, activation of either AVPV PGR or Src in 2 µg estradiol‐primed animals significantly elevated LH concentrations compared to dimethyl sulfoxide infused rats. Finally, antagonism of either AVPV PGR or Src blocked the ability of PGR or Src activation to induce an LH surge in estradiol‐primed ovx/adx rats. These results indicate that neuroP, which triggers the LH surge, signals through an extranuclear PGR‐Src signaling pathway.
Chinese American Adolescents’ Experiences of COVID‐19‐Related Racial Discrimination and Anxiety: Person‐Centered and Intersectional Approaches
Authors: Zong Xiaoli , Cheah Charissa S. L. , Ren Huiguang
Published: December 2021

The present study examined the impact of COVID‐19‐related racial discrimination on Chinese American adolescents (N = 213; Mage = 13.95 years, SD = 2.35; 49% girls) at the intersection of race and gender. We explored (1) subgroups of adolescents based on ethnic identity, bicultural identity integration, and behavioral acculturation; (2) their demographic correlates; and (3) whether the association between racial discrimination and anxiety varied across subgroups and gender. Latent profile analysis identified three profiles: bicultural, marginalized, and separated. Bicultural and marginalized adolescents were vulnerable to direct and vicarious racial discrimination, respectively. Moreover, bicultural and marginalized boys and separated girls were more negatively affected by COVID‐19‐related racial discrimination. The findings highlight the utility of person‐centered and intersectional approaches in understanding Chinese American adolescents’ experiences of racial discrimination.
The Developmental Change of Print‐Tuned N170 in Highly Transparent Writing Systems1
Authors: Uno Tomoki , Kasai Tetsuko , Seki Ayumi
Published: December 2021

Rapid and implicit letter‐to‐sound conversion is a remarkable ability that develops during school years, which is reflected in the left lateralization of the print‐tuned N170 event‐related potential. Previous studies have shown that elementary school children learning alphabetic scripts elicit bilateral N170, which reflects their underdeveloped phonological conversion processing. However, children learning Japanese hiragana, which has better letter–sound correspondence compared with alphabetic scripts, may acquire the automatic phonological conversion in the early stages of learning to read. To test this notion, we investigated the developmental change of the print‐tuned N170 by comparing 4th–6th grade elementary school children with college students. Participants were required to detect infrequent blue stimuli among a series of black‐colored hiragana words, nonwords, and foreign letter strings. College students showed typical left‐lateralized N170. In contrast, children elicited bilateral N170 for print stimuli, indicating that the implicit phonological conversion was still not established. The finding suggests that the automatization of letter‐to‐sound conversion requires a relatively long learning period even in orthographically transparent scripts.
Telomere dynamics in the first year of life, but not later in life, predict lifespan in a wild bird
Authors: Sheldon Elizabeth Louise , Eastwood Justin Ross , Teunissen Niki , Roast Michael James , Aranzamendi Nataly Hidalgo , Fan Marie , Louise Hall Michelle , Kingma Sjouke Anne , Verhulst Simon , Peters Anne
Published: December 2021

Telomeres are protective, nucleoprotein structures at the end of chromosomes that have been associated with lifespan across taxa. However, the extent to which these associations can be attributed to absolute length vs. the rate of telomere shortening prior to sampling remains unresolved. In a longitudinal study, we examined the relationship between lifespan, telomere length and the rate of telomere shortening in wild, purple‐crowned fairy‐wrens (Malurus coronatus coronatus). To this end, we measured telomere length using quantitative polymerase chain reaction in the blood of 59 individuals sampled as nestlings and 4–14 months thereafter, and in 141 known‐age individuals sampled on average three times across adulthood. We applied within‐subject centring analyses to simultaneously test for associations between lifespan and average telomere length and telomere shortening. We reveal that the rate of telomere shortening and to a lesser extent telomere length in the first year of life independently predicted lifespan, with individuals with faster shortening rates and/or shorter telomeres living less long. In contrast, in adulthood neither telomere shortening nor telomere length predicted lifespan, despite a considerably larger data set. Our results suggest that telomere length measured very early in life (during development) and longitudinal assessments of telomere shortening during the first year of life constitute more useful biomarkers of total life expectancy than either telomere length measured after development, or telomere shortening later in adulthood.
Cancer stem cells: advances in biology and clinical translation—a Keystone Symposia report
Authors: Cable Jennifer , Pei Duanqing , Reid Lola M. , Wang Xin Wei , Bhatia Sonam , Karras Panagiotis , Melenhorst Jan Joseph , Grompe Markus , Lathia Justin D. , Song Erwei , Kuo Calvin J. , Zhang Ning , White Richard M. , Ma Stephanie Ky , Ma Lichun , Chin Y. Rebecca , Shen Michael M. , Ng Irene Oi Lin , Kaestner Klaus H. , Zhou Lei , Sikandar Shaheen , Schmitt Clemens A. , Guo Wei , Wong Carmen Chak‐Lui , Ji Junfang , Tang Dean G. , Dubrovska Anna , Yang Chunzhang , Wiedemeyer Wolf R. , Weissman Irving L.
Published: December 2021

The test for the cancer stem cell (CSC) hypothesis is to find a target expressed on all, and only CSCs in a patient tumor, then eliminate all cells with that target that eliminates the cancer. That test has not yet been achieved, but CSC diagnostics and targets found on CSCs and some other cells have resulted in a few clinically relevant therapies. However, it has become apparent that eliminating the subset of tumor cells characterized by self‐renewal properties is essential for long‐term tumor control. CSCs are able to regenerate and initiate tumor growth, recapitulating the heterogeneity present in the tumor before treatment. As great progress has been made in identifying and elucidating the biology of CSCs as well as their interactions with the tumor microenvironment, the time seems ripe for novel therapeutic strategies that target CSCs to find clinical applicability. On May 19–21, 2021, researchers in cancer stem cells met virtually for the Keystone eSymposium “Cancer Stem Cells: Advances in Biology and Clinical Translation” to discuss recent advances in the understanding of CSCs as well as clinical efforts to target these populations.
Contrasting readability and availability of Spanish language with English language patient education materials
Authors: Gorrepati Pavane L. , Smith Gideon P.
Published: December 2021

Spanish is the leading non‐English language in the United States, with more than 41 million speakers. The Hispanic population has one of the lowest health literacy rates. Amongst Spanish speakers, limited English proficiency can contribute to poorer health outcomes and greater health disparities, such as lower quality of care received. We sought to assess the availability and readability scores of Spanish‐language dermatologic patient education materials (PEMs) compared with those materials in English.
Concurrent and prospective effects of income, adversity, and parenting behaviors on middle‐childhood effortful control and adjustment
Authors: Lengua Liliana J. , Thompson Stephanie F. , Ruberry Erika J. , Kiff Cara J. , Klein Melanie R. , Moran Lyndsey R. , Zalewski Maureen
Published: December 2021

This study examined whether effortful control (executive control [EC], delay ability [DA]) accounted for the effects of early‐childhood contextual factors (income, cumulative risk, parenting) on middle‐childhood adjustment (social competence, internalizing and externalizing problems), or whether contextual factors account for observed associations between effortful control and adjustment. A sample of children and parents (N = 306) were assessed when children were 3‐, 5‐, and 8‐years. Age‐3 income and cumulative risk predicted changes in age‐8 EC. Also, age‐3 parenting predicted changes in effortful control. Warmth and limit setting predicted increases in EC, whereas negativity predicted decreases in DA from the age of 3 to 5, and scaffolding predicted increases in EC and DA from the age of 5 to 8. In turn, age‐8 EC was associated with higher social competence. However, neither age‐8 EC nor DA was associated with internalizing or externalizing above the effects of age‐8 stress (negative life events). The findings indicate that early‐childhood income, adversity, and parenting are relevant in predicting effortful control development into middle‐childhood, and in turn, middle‐childhood social competence. However, concurrent stress appears more relevant to adjustment problems, implying some of the effects of effortful control might be accounted for by the context of risk.
Cultural variation in the early development of initiative in children's prosocial helping
Authors: Coppens Andrew D. , Rogoff Barbara
Published: December 2021

Separate lines of research on prosocial development suggest that although toddlers worldwide are eagerly helpful, older children help voluntarily in some communities but in other communities, children become resistant to helping with household work. This study investigated these discrepancies by interviewing 64 Mexican‐heritage and middle‐class European American mothers of 2–3‐year‐olds and 6–7‐year‐olds, all living in the US (20 and 12 at these ages in each community). Mothers’ reports are consistent with diverging developmental patterns, and illuminate how the children become involved in helping with work at home: Most 2–3‐year‐olds helped voluntarily, with their own initiative (although Mexican‐heritage children did so more). At age 6–7, Mexican‐heritage children usually helped with their own initiative whereas middle‐class European American children seldom did so; they generally helped under adult management and control, in contractual arrangements. Accounting for cultural variation is important for advancing theories of prosocial development; the paper suggests socialization practices that may explain the different patterns.
Should you need an organ… Flemish secondary school students’ attitudes toward xenotransplantation and transgenetic organ donation
Authors: Reyneke Maryn , Kerckhof Nel , Dherwani Rachna , Borry Pascal
Published: December 2021

Background

The supply of human organs available for transplantation remains grossly inadequate globally. Animal‐to‐human transplantation, and even more so humanized organ grown in animals, holds promising results for the start of clinical trials in humans. Very little is known about the public's willingness to accept different xenotransplantation techniques. This study aims to determine attitudes toward human‐to‐human transplantation, animal‐to‐human transplantation, and chimera‐to‐human transplantation in the Belgium context.

Methods

Secondary school students from Flanders, Belgium, were surveyed between January and June 2019. Socio‐demographic details likely to influence participants’ attitudes were gathered. Participants were presented with three hypothetical cases (human‐to‐human transplantation, animal‐to‐human transplantation, and chimera‐to‐human transplantation) and asked about their willingness to accept the particular organ. Their risk appetite to accept organs with potentially worse outcomes than the status quo was also evaluated.

Results

Seven hundred forty‐one complete questionnaires were analyzed. It can be concluded that Flemish secondary school students favored the techniques of xenotransplantation to a lesser extent than allotransplantation; however, most of them did consider it a good solution for organ shortage. Compared to animal‐to‐human transplantation, chimera‐to‐human transplantation showed a more positive attitude among the respondents when considered a good organ transplantation solution.

Conclusion

Flemish secondary school students favored the techniques of xenotransplantation to a lesser extent than allotransplantation; however, most of them did consider it a good solution for organ shortage. In comparison to animal‐to‐human transplantation, chimera‐to‐human transplantation showed a more positive attitude among the respondents when considered a good solution for organ transplantation.
Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership, and Environmental Consequences
Authors: Qirjo Dhimitri , Pascalau Razvan , Christopherson Robert
Published: December 2021

We empirically investigate the effect of the Transatlantic Trade and Investment Partnership on the per capita emissions of eight air pollutants and municipal waste. By introducing the same explanatory variables and applying the same empirical strategy and methodologies as in Qirjo and Pascalau (2019), we provide robust evidence suggesting that the implementation of the partnership could be beneficial to the environment because it may reduce per capita emissions of CH4, hydrofluorocarbons/ perfluorinated chemicals/ SF6, N2O, NH3, and SF6 for a typical partnership member. This result is based on statistically significant evidence showing that, on average, the pollution haven motive based on national per capita income variations is dominated by the factor endowment argument based on the Heckscher-Ohlin trade theory and the pollution haven motive originating from an inverse measurement of national population density differences. However, we also report statistically significant evidence that the implementation of the partnership could denigrate the environment by increasing per capita emissions of SO2 and municipal waste.
Various evolution trends of sample thickness in fluorocarbon film deposition on SiO2
Authors: Lee Youngseok , Seong Inho , Lee Jangjae , Lee Sangho , Cho Chulhee , Kim Sijun , You ShinJae
Published: December 2021

Recently, fluorocarbon (FC) film deposition on a SiO2 surface has become one of the most important processes in semiconductor manufacturing because the formation of a passivation layer on SiO2 during the deposition process plays a crucial role in atomic layer etching and high aspect ratio contact (HARC) etching, areas that are attracting intense interest in the semiconductor industry. In this work, various trends of sample thickness change, namely, decreasing, increasing, and anomalously increasing trends with time, were observed during FC film deposition on a SiO2 surface. The total thickness including both SiO2 and FC film was found to change during the deposition process in various ways depending on the plasma conditions. This can be successfully explained by considering the mechanism of SiO2 etching with FC plasma, taking into account the dependence of the SiO2 etch rate on FC film thickness. This result is expected to be utilized in semiconductor processes such as HARC etching where a precise control of film thickness is needed.
Self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposite systems integrated on silicon substrate: Progress and future perspectives
Authors: Zhang Di , Kalaswad Matias , Wang Haiyan
Published: December 2021

Silicon (Si) integration is a critical step for implementing functional oxides into Si-based electronic devices, considering the advantages of low-cost and scalability of Si substrates. In the past decade, self-assembled vertically aligned nanocomposites (VANs) have attracted enormous research interest owing to their unique multifunctionalities and highly tunable physical properties as well as their one-step self-assembly process. Most of the VAN thin films have been reported to grow epitaxially on single crystalline oxide substrates, however, with limited systems reported on Si substrates due to the very large lattice mismatch between oxides and Si lattices. In this review, the current progress for self-assembled VAN systems integrated on a Si substrate is summarized. Buffer layered enabled VAN growth has been proven to be an effective approach for improving the epitaxial quality of oxide-oxide and oxide-metal VAN systems, while direct growth is preferred in nitride-metal VAN systems. The material versatility enables the Si-integrated VAN thin films to exhibit distinct physical properties such as ferromagnetism, ferroelectricity, magnetoresistance, as well as unique optical properties. The review also summarizes the various parameters for tuning the growth morphologies and corresponding properties for the VAN systems, including phase molar ratio, deposition frequency, buffer layers, background pressure, etc. Finally, future perspectives are discussed including new VAN system exploration, physical properties tuning, as well as design and fabrication of Si-based nanoelectronics and nanophotonic devices applications.
REVIEWS OF ACOUSTICAL PATENTS
Authors: Fulop Sean A.
Published: December 2021

The purpose of these acoustical patent reviews is to provide enough information for a Journal reader to decide whether to seek more information from the patent itself. Any opinions expressed here are those of the reviewers as individuals and are not legal opinions. Patents are available via the internet at the USPTO website.
A Brief Intervention of Physical Activity Education and Counseling in Community Rehabilitation: A Feasibility Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Green Emily T. , Cox Narelle S. , Holland Anne E.
Published: December 2021

This study aimed to assess the feasibility of delivering a brief physical activity (PA) intervention to community rehabilitation clients. Participants were randomized to receive one session of stage-of-change-based PA education and counseling in addition to written educational material, or education material alone. Outcomes were measured at baseline and 3 months; the primary outcome was feasibility, measured by the percentage of those who were eligible, consented, randomized, and followed-up. A total of 123 individuals were both eligible and interested in participating, 32% of those screened on admission to the program. Forty participants consented, and 35 were randomized, with mean age 72 years (SD = 12.2). At baseline, 66% had recently commenced or intended to begin regular PA in the next 6 months. A total of 30 participants were followed-up. It is feasible to deliver education and counseling designed to support the long-term adoption of regular PA to community rehabilitation clients. Further refinement of the protocol is warranted (ACTRN12617000519358).
Associations Between Social Media Use, Physical Activity, and Emotional Well-Being From the Midlife in the United States Refresher Daily Diary Study
Authors: Yao Lin Xin , Lachman Margie E.
Published: December 2021

Only a small percentage of adults engage in regular physical activity, even though it is widely recommended as beneficial for well-being. Thus, it is essential to identify factors that can promote increased physical activity among adults of all ages. The current study examined the relationship of social media use to physical activity and emotional well-being. The sample is from the Midlife in the United States Refresher daily diary study, which includes 782 adults ages 25–75 years. Results showed that those who used social media less often engaged in more frequent physical activity, which, in turn, led to more positive affect. This relationship was found for midlife and older adults but not younger adults. The findings show the benefits of physical activity for well-being and suggest that social media use may dampen efforts to increase physical activity, especially among middle-aged and older adults.
Lack of Sleep Among Adolescent Athletes Is Associated With a Higher Prevalence of Self-Reported History of Anxiety and Depression
Authors: Stracciolini Andrea , McCracken Caitlin M. , Meehan William P. , Milewski Matthew D.
Published: December 2021

Purpose: To study mental health, sleep duration, and daytime sleepiness in young athletes. Methods: A cross-sectional questionnaire study was conducted. The main outcome measures included sleep duration and daytime sleepiness. Results: Study participants included 756 athletes with a mean age of 13.5 years. A total of 39% (n = 296/756) reported not meeting current sleep recommendations for age. Athletes >12 years and with a self-reported anxiety and/or depression history were less likely to meet sleep recommendations and showed higher daytime sleepiness (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] = 1.29, 95% confidence interval [CI] [1.2, 1.4], β [SE] = 3.06 [0.74], respectively). Athletes with goal-oriented reasons for playing versus enjoyment (52% vs. 35%, aOR = 1.70, 95% CI [1.12, 2.58]) were less likely to meet sleep recommendations. Night time internet access and weeknight homework hours were negatively associated with sleep recommendations (aOR = 1.68, 95% CI [1.68, 2.47] and aOR = 3.11, 95% CI [1.82, 5.3]) and positively associated with daytime sleepiness (β [SE] = 1.44 [0.45] and 2.28 [0.59]). Conclusions: Many young athletes are not meeting sleep recommendations. Associated factors include mental health, reasons for play, internet access, and homework demand.