bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Renewed Attention Needed for Prevention of Sudden Unexpected Death in Infancy in the Netherlands
Authors: Kanits Floortje , L'Hoir Monique P. , Boere-Boonekamp Magda M. , Engelberts Adèle C. , Feskens Edith J. M.
Published: December 2021

Background: The incidence of sudden unexpected death in infancy (SUDI), which includes sudden infant death syndrome (SIDS), has declined in developed countries since the 1980s, including the Netherlands. To identify improvement opportunities in SUDI prevention, we monitored the adherence of parents to the prevention advice on infant care habits over the past 20 years, especially in relation to the SUDI incidence over time. Potential changes in parental adherence between the latest surveys are of specific interest, as these indicate where current focus is needed.

Methods: Description of the prevalence of infant care factors related to the risk of SUDI, assessed from five Dutch national surveys from 1999 to 2017 among parents of infants under 12 months, and analysis of the potential differences in these prevalences between the two latest surveys in 2010/11 and 2017 with a z-test.

Results: Supine sleeping position decreased from the highest prevalence of 92% in 2010/11, to 83% in 2017. Sleep sack use has increased to 55%, the highest prevalence up to now. Avoiding a duvet has remained reasonably stable since 2002/03 and now 95% of parents do not use a duvet. The prevalence of room-sharing, without sharing the bed, increased from 14% in 1999 to the highest prevalence in 2017 (31%). However, also bed-sharing almost doubled from 5.6% in 2010/11 to 10% in 2017. Breastfeeding decreased between 1999 and 2010/11, but increased from 34% in 2010/11 to 42% in 2017. An increased prevalence of mothers who abstained from smoking during pregnancy, as well as both parents not smoking, was observed, although mostly higher educated parents showed this beneficial behavior.

Discussion and Conclusion: Much has already been achieved first by decreasing prone sleeping since the 80's, and subsequently promoting supine as the safest sleep position. The decrease in duvet use and smoking, and an increase in breastfeeding have also had impact. Indications of a recent decreased prevalence of the supine sleeping position and higher prevalence of bed-sharing might relate to the slightly increasing SUDI incidence in the Netherlands. Renewed attention for prevention of SUDI and specific advice targeting high-risk groups is needed. Modern, picture driven information via internet is recommended.
Reviewing the Role of the Endocannabinoid System in the Pathophysiology of Depression
Authors: Gallego-Landin Ines , García-Baos Alba , Castro-Zavala Adriana , Valverde Olga
Published: December 2021

Major depressive disorder is a high-impact, debilitating disease and it is currently considered the most prevalent mental illness. It is associated with disability, as well as increased morbidity and mortality. Despite its significant repercussions in our society, its exact pathophysiology remains unclear and therefore, available antidepressant treatment options are limited and, in some cases, ineffective. In the past years, research has focused on the development of a multifactorial theory of depression. Simultaneously, evidence supporting the role of the endocannabinoid system in the neurobiology of neuropsychiatric diseases has emerged. Studies have shown that the endocannabinoid system strongly impacts neurotransmission, and the neuroendocrine and neuroimmune systems, which are known to be dysfunctional in depressive patients. Accordingly, common antidepressants were shown to have a direct impact on the expression of cannabinoid receptors throughout the brain. Therefore, the relationship between the endocannabinoid system and major depressive disorder is worth consideration. Nevertheless, most studies focus on smaller pieces of what is undoubtedly a larger mosaic of interdependent processes. Therefore, the present review summarizes the existing literature regarding the role of the endocannabinoid system in depression aiming to integrate this information into a holistic picture for a better understanding of the relationship between the two.
Integrated Metabolomics and Network Pharmacology to Establish the Action Mechanism of Qingrekasen Granule for Treating Nephrotic Syndrome
Authors: Duan Yanfen , Zhang Dongning , Ye Yan , Zheng Sili , Huang Ping , Zhang Fengyun , Mo Guoyan , Huang Fang , Yin Qiang , Li Jingjing , Han Lintao
Published: December 2021

Nephrotic syndrome (NS) is a clinical syndrome resulting from abnormal glomerular permeability, mainly manifesting as edema and proteinuria. Qingrekasen granule (QRKSG), a Chinese Uyghur folk medicine, is a single-flavor preparation made from chicory (Cichorium intybus L.), widely used in treating dysuria and edema. Chicory, the main component in QRKSG, effectively treats edema and protects kidneys. However, the active components in QRKSG and its underlying mechanism for treating NS remain unclear. This study explored the specific mechanism and composition of QRKSG on an NS rat model using integrated metabolomics and network pharmacology. First, metabolomics explored the relevant metabolic pathways impacted by QRKSG in the treatment of NS. Secondly, network pharmacology further explored the possible metabolite targets. Afterward, a comprehensive network was constructed using the results from the network pharmacology and metabolomics analysis. Finally, the interactions between the active components and targets were predicted by molecular docking, and the differential expression levels of the target protein were verified by Western blotting. The metabolomics results showed “D-Glutamine and D-glutamate metabolism” and “Alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism” as the main targeted metabolic pathways for treating NS in rats. AKT1, BCL2L1, CASP3, and MTOR were the core QRKSG targets in the treatment of NS. Molecular docking revealed that these core targets have a strong affinity for flavonoids, terpenoids, and phenolic acids. Moreover, the expression levels of p-PI3K, p-AKT1, p-mTOR, and CASP3 in the QRKSG group significantly decreased, while BCL2L1 increased compared to the model group. These findings established the underlying mechanism of QRKSG, such as promoting autophagy and anti-apoptosis through the expression of AKT1, CASP3, BCL2L1, and mTOR to protect podocytes and maintain renal tubular function.
Detecting Critical Functional Ingredients Group and Mechanism of Xuebijing Injection in Treating Sepsis
Authors: Wu Qi- , Yin Chuan-hui , Li Yi , Cai Jie-qi , Yang Han-yun , Huang Ying-ying , Zheng Yi-xu , Xiong Ke , Yu Hai-lang , Lu Ai-ping , Wang Ke-xin , Guan Dao-gang , Chen Yu-peng
Published: December 2021

Sepsis is a systemic inflammatory reaction caused by various infectious or noninfectious factors, which can lead to shock, multiple organ dysfunction syndrome, and death. It is one of the common complications and a main cause of death in critically ill patients. At present, the treatments of sepsis are mainly focused on the controlling of inflammatory response and reduction of various organ function damage, including anti-infection, hormones, mechanical ventilation, nutritional support, and traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). Among them, Xuebijing injection (XBJI) is an important derivative of TCM, which is widely used in clinical research. However, the molecular mechanism of XBJI on sepsis is still not clear. The mechanism of treatment of “bacteria, poison and inflammation” and the effects of multi-ingredient, multi-target, and multi-pathway have still not been clarified. For solving this issue, we designed a new systems pharmacology strategy which combines target genes of XBJI and the pathogenetic genes of sepsis to construct functional response space (FRS). The key response proteins in the FRS were determined by using a novel node importance calculation method and were condensed by a dynamic programming strategy to conduct the critical functional ingredients group (CFIG). The results showed that enriched pathways of key response proteins selected from FRS could cover 95.83% of the enriched pathways of reference targets, which were defined as the intersections of ingredient targets and pathogenetic genes. The targets of the optimized CFIG with 60 ingredients could be enriched into 182 pathways which covered 81.58% of 152 pathways of 1,606 pathogenetic genes. The prediction of CFIG targets showed that the CFIG of XBJI could affect sepsis synergistically through genes such as TAK1, TNF-α, IL-1β, and MEK1 in the pathways of MAPK, NF-κB, PI3K-AKT, Toll-like receptor, and tumor necrosis factor signaling. Finally, the effects of apigenin, baicalein, and luteolin were evaluated by in vitro experiments and were proved to be effective in reducing the production of intracellular reactive oxygen species in lipopolysaccharide-stimulated RAW264.7 cells, significantly. These results indicate that the novel integrative model can promote reliability and accuracy on depicting the CFIGs in XBJI and figure out a methodological coordinate for simplicity, mechanism analysis, and secondary development of formulas in TCM.
The Aflibercept-Induced MicroRNA Profile in the Vitreous of Proliferative Diabetic Retinopathy Patients Detected by Next-Generation Sequencing
Authors: Guo Ju , Zhou Pengyi , Liu Zhenhui , Dai Fangfang , Pan Meng , An Guangqi , Han Jinfeng , Du Liping , Jin Xuemin
Published: December 2021

Purpose: Vascular endothelial growth factor-A (VEGF-A) is an important pathogenic factor in proliferative diabetic retinopathy (PDR), and aflibercept (Eylea) is one of the widely used anti-VEGF agents. This study investigated the microRNA (miRNA) profiles in the vitreous of 5 idiopathic macular hole patients (non-diabetic controls), 5 untreated PDR patients (no-treatment group), and 5 PDR patients treated with intravitreal aflibercept injection (treatment group).

Methods: Next-generation sequencing was performed to determine the miRNA profiles. Deregulated miRNAs were validated with quantitative real-time PCR (qRT-PCR) in another cohort. The mRNA profile data (GSE160310) of PDR patients were retrieved from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database. The function of differentially expressed miRNAs and mRNAs was annotated by bioinformatic analysis and literature study.

Results: Twenty-nine miRNAs were significantly dysregulated in the three groups, of which 19,984 target mRNAs were predicted. Hsa-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-24-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p were validated to be remarkably upregulated in no-treatment group versus controls, and significantly downregulated in treatment group versus no-treatment group. In the GSE160310 profile, 204 deregulated protein-coding mRNAs were identified, and finally 179 overlapped mRNAs between the 19,984 target mRNAs and 204 deregulated mRNAs were included for further analysis. Function analysis provided several roles of aflibercept-induced miRNAs, promoting the alternation of drug sensitivity or resistance-related mRNAs, and regulating critical mRNAs involved in angiogenesis and retinal fibrosis.

Conclusion: Hsa-miR-3184-3p, hsa-miR-24-3p, and hsa-miR-197-3p were highly expressed in PDR patients, and intravitreal aflibercept injection could reverse this alteration. Intravitreal aflibercept injection may involve in regulating cell sensitivity or resistance to drug, angiogenesis, and retinal fibrosis.
Therapeutic Drug Monitoring and Individualized Medicine of Dasatinib: Focus on Clinical Pharmacokinetics and Pharmacodynamics
Authors: He Shiyu , Bian Jialu , Shao Qianhang , Zhang Ying , Hao Xu , Luo Xingxian , Feng Yufei , Huang Lin
Published: December 2021

Dasatinib is an oral second-generation tyrosine kinase inhibitor known to be used widely in Philadelphia chromosome-positive (Ph+) chronic myeloid leukemia (CML) and Ph+ acute lymphoblastic leukemia (ALL). Notably, although a high pharmacokinetic variability in patients and an increased risk of pleural effusion are attendant, fixed dosing remains standard practice. Retrospective studies have suggested that dasatinib exposure may be associated with treatment response (efficacy/safety). Therapeutic drug monitoring (TDM) is gradually becoming a practical tool to achieve the goal of individualized medicine for patients receiving targeted drugs. With the help of TDM, these patients who maintain response while have minimum adverse events may achieve long-term survival. This review summaries current knowledge of the clinical pharmacokinetics variation, exposure-response relationships and analytical method for individualized dosing of dasatinib, in particular with respect to therapeutic drug monitoring. In addition, it highlights the emerging insights into several controversial issues in TDM of dasatinib, with the aim of presenting up-to-date evidence for clinical decision-making and insights for future studies.
Physiological Responses of Robinia pseudoacacia and Quercus acutissima Seedlings to Repeated Drought-Rewatering Under Different Planting Methods
Authors: Liu Xiao , Zhang Qinyuan , Song Meixia , Wang Ning , Fan Peixian , Wu Pan , Cui Kening , Zheng Peiming , Du Ning , Wang Hui , Wang Renqing
Published: December 2021

Changing precipitation patterns have aggravated the existing uneven water distribution, leading to the alternation of drought and rewatering. Based on this variation, we studied species, namely,Robinia pseudoacaciaandQuercus acutissima, with different root forms and water regulation strategy to determine physiological responses to repeated drought-rewatering under different planting methods. Growth, physiological, and hydraulic traits were measured using pure and mixed planting seedlings that were subjected to drought, repeated drought-rewatering (i.e., treatments), and well-irrigated seedlings (i.e., control). Drought had negative effects on plant functional traits, such as significantly decreased xylem water potential (Ψmd), net photosynthetic rate (AP), and then height and basal diameter growth were slowed down, while plant species could form stress imprint and adopt compensatory mechanism after repeated drought-rewatering. Mixed planting of the two tree species prolonged the desiccation time during drought, slowed down Ψmdand APdecreasing, and after rewatering, plant functional traits could recover faster than pure planting. Our results demonstrate that repeated drought-rewatering could make plant species form stress imprint and adopt compensatory mechanism, while mixed planting could weaken the inhibition of drought and finally improve the overall drought resistance; this mechanism may provide a theoretical basis for afforestation and vegetation restoration in the warm temperate zone under rising uneven spatiotemporal water distribution.
Multiple Layers of Regulation on Leaf Senescence: New Advances and Perspectives
Authors: Zhang Yue-Mei , Guo Pengru , Xia Xinli , Guo Hongwei , Li Zhonghai
Published: December 2021

Leaf senescence is the last stage of leaf development and is an orderly biological process accompanied by degradation of macromolecules and nutrient recycling, which contributes to plant fitness. Forward genetic mutant screening and reverse genetic studies of senescence-associated genes (SAGs) have revealed that leaf senescence is a genetically regulated process, and the initiation and progression of leaf senescence are influenced by an array of internal and external factors. Recently, multi-omics techniques have revealed that leaf senescence is subjected to multiple layers of regulation, including chromatin, transcriptional and post-transcriptional, as well as translational and post-translational levels. Although impressive progress has been made in plant senescence research, especially the identification and functional analysis of a large number of SAGs in crop plants, we still have not unraveled the mystery of plant senescence, and there are some urgent scientific questions in this field, such as when plant senescence is initiated and how senescence signals are transmitted. This paper reviews recent advances in the multiple layers of regulation on leaf senescence, especially in post-transcriptional regulation such as alternative splicing.
Open-Label Placebo Interventions With Drinking Water and Their Influence on Perceived Physical and Mental Well-Being
Authors: Rathschlag Marco , Klatt Stefanie
Published: December 2021

In recent years, the postulation that deception is necessary for placebos to have an effect on pain relief or increased well-being has come into question. Latest studies have shown that an openly administered mock drug works just as well as a deceptively administered placebo on certain complaints. This open-label placebo effect has primarily been used in the area of pain treatment so far. This study is the first to examine the effect of such placebos on healthy individuals with the use of drinking water. In two experiments, participants were required to use certain specified water bottles for their daily drinking water consumption. At the beginning of Experiment 1, all participants (N = 68) received one bottle of water, which they were asked to refill themselves each day during a 2-week intervention period. In Experiment 2, participants (N = 75) received a new sealed water bottle every day. In both experiments, participants were randomly assigned to one of four groups: no treatment (control group CG), open-label placebo without rationale (OPR–), open-label placebo with rationale (OPR+), and open-label placebo with additional rationale in a suggested relaxed state (group OPR++). We conducted baseline and post-treatment measurements of the subjective perceived physical and mental well-being of the participants. In Experiment 1, only the OPR++ group reported enhanced vitality at the post-treatment level compared to the other groups. In Experiment 2, post-treatment measurements showed improvements for the OPR++ group in the Physical Performance Capability, Mental Performance Capability, Emotional Balance, Overall Recovery, Negative Emotional State, and Overall Stress categories compared to the other groups. Our results support the idea that placebos with an additional rationale in a suggestive relaxed state are more effective than with just a rationale in a normal state. Furthermore, our study shows the tendency that OLP++ in the form of water with health claims may be more effective when the water is given in several sealed bottles separately than in one sealed but refillable bottle.
Promoting Intergenerational Justice Through Participatory Practices: Climate Workshops as an Arena for Young People’s Political Participation
Authors: Ursin Marit , Lorgen Linn C. , Alvarado Isaac Arturo Ortega , Smalsundmo Ani-Lea , Nordgård Runar Chang , Bern Mari Roald , Bjørnevik Kjersti
Published: December 2021

In the fall of 2019, Trøndelag County Council, Norway, organized a Climate Workshop for children and youth. The intention of the workshop was to include children’s and youth’s perspectives as a foundation for a policy document titled “How we do it in Trøndelag. Strategy for transformations to mitigate climate change”. The workshop involved a range of creative and discussion tools for input on sustainable development and climate politics. In this article, we aim to (1) describe and discuss innovative practices that include children and youth in policymaking related to climate action, and (2) discuss the theoretical implications of such policymaking in relation to children’s rights, young citizenship, and intergenerational justice. We employ a generational framework and perceive climate politics as inherently ingrained in intergenerational justice, where no generation has a superior claim to the earth’s resources, yet power is unfairly concentrated and accumulated among adult generations. We draw on contributions by various stakeholders involved: Two young workshop participants, two county council policymakers, and an interdisciplinary team of researchers from Childhood Studies and Design.
Teachers’ Use of Within-Class Ability Groups in the Primary Classroom: A Mixed Methods Study of Social Comparison
Authors: Webb-Williams Jane Louise
Published: December 2021

It is common practice within primary classrooms for teachers to spilt children into different ability groups so that children of similar level are taught together. Whilst this practice is used across the globe, research is mixed on the benefits of such grouping strategy. This paper presents data collected from mixed methods research which investigated teachers use of grouping strategies and social comparison, the act of comparing oneself with others. It focuses on when, why and with whom children from different ability groups compare themselves and the impact this has on their self-perceptions. Drawing upon data from children aged between 10 and 11 years from 12 primary schools, social comparison was found to play a significant role in daily classroom life for some children. The study identified different strands of the social comparison process including acknowledgment, topic, target, and direction, and it revealed positive and negative effects of social comparison. A difference by ability group was identified. Children within the low ability group were particularly vulnerable to the negative effects of social comparison and found to engage in more frequent and intentional social comparisons which were heavily relied upon for self-evaluation and performance evaluation. The paper discusses the educational implications of social comparison regarding pupil ability grouping strategies, motivation, engagement, and academic performance. Implications for teacher education and professional development is discussed.
Socioeconomic Status and Risk-Taking Behavior Among Chinese Adolescents: The Mediating Role of Psychological Capital and Self-Control
Authors: Jia Xiaoshan , Zhu Haidong , Sun Guiqin , Meng Huanlei , Zhao Yuqian
Published: December 2021

Risk-taking behavior is particularly widespread during adolescence, and negatively impacts the healthy growth and social adaptation of adolescents. Utilizing problem-behavior theory (PBT) and the family stress model (FSM), the current study examined the relationship between socioeconomic status (SES) and adolescents’ risk-taking behavior, as well as the mediating role of psychological capital and self-control. A total of 1,156 Chinese adolescent students (Mage = 15.51, 48% boys) completed a series of questionnaires anonymously. The results showed that: (1) Socioeconomic status was negatively correlated with adolescents’ risk-taking behavior; (2) Both psychological capital and self-control mediated the relationship between SES and adolescents’ risk-taking behavior independently; and (3) Psychological capital and self-control also mediated the relationship between SES and the risk-taking behavior of adolescents sequentially. This study reveals the internal mechanism of risk-taking behavior during adolescence and provides theoretical support and empirical evidence for preventing and reducing such behavior in this age group.
Confession to Make: Inadvertent Confessions and Admissions in United Kingdom and United States Police Contexts
Authors: Filipović Luna
Published: December 2021

Previous studies have addressed many different kinds of confessions in police investigations – real, false, coerced, fabricated – and highlighted both psychological and social mechanisms that underlie them. Here, we focus on inadvertent confessions and admissions, which occur when a suspect appears to be confessing without being fully aware of doing so, or when police officers believe they have a confession or admission of guilt when in fact this is not the case. The goal of the study is to explain when, how and why these confessions and admissions occur as well as how they are dealt with in two different jurisdictions, the United States and the United Kingdom. We use a discourse analysis approach because inadvertent confessions and admissions of guilt are the product of miscommunication – they happen because the speaker’s meaning and the hearer’s meaning are misaligned. The data consist of 50 interviews from the United Kingdom and 50 interrogations from the United States with both English-speaking and non-English speaking suspects. Our results demonstrate that inadvertent confessions can occur in both locales due to reliance on inference, which is inevitable since inference is the backbone of any human communication, as well as due to additional factors such as linguistic, cultural and procedural issues. We found that these phenomena are more frequent and less well controlled for in the United States context due to (a) no systematic checking of understanding, (b) adversarial questioning techniques and an absence of legal representation, and (c) lack of professional, high-quality interpreting. We discuss the implications of our findings for current efforts to improve access to justice, custodial procedures and language services, and we make recommendations for the implementation of our research in professional practice.
Characterizing the Influence of Confirmation Bias on Web Search Behavior
Authors: Suzuki Masaki , Yamamoto Yusuke
Published: December 2021

In this study, we analyzed the relationship between confirmation bias, which causes people to preferentially view information that supports their opinions and beliefs, and web search behavior. In an online user study, we controlled confirmation bias by presenting prior information to participants that manipulated their impressions of health search topics and analyzed their behavioral logs during web search tasks. We found that web search users with poor health literacy and negative prior beliefs about the health search topic did not spend time examining the list of web search results, and these users demonstrated bias in webpage selection. In contrast, web search users with high health literacy and negative prior beliefs about the search topic spent more time examining the list of web search results. In addition, these users attempted to browse webpages that present different opinions. No significant difference in web search behavior was observed between users with positive prior beliefs about the search topic and those with neutral belief.
The Interactive Effect of EFL Teachers’ Emotions and Cognitions on Their Pedagogical Practices
Authors: Shi Yan
Published: December 2021

Emotion and cognition have long been considered as two influential factors determining the quality of teaching and learning. They form the foundation of all aspects of teaching as an emotional and thought-provoking profession. With the advent of Positive Psychology (PP) and affective pedagogy, now English as a Foreign Language (EFL) teachers’ inner states and emotions are placed at the center of every educational program all around the world. This consideration has led to a rise in various domains of teaching and teacher education. However, the interactive influence and association between teachers’ emotions and cognitions concerning their pedagogical practices has been mostly left ignored in EFL contexts. To fill this gap, the present study aimed to offer a mini-review of the concepts, definitions, related theories, and empirical evidence in this line of research. It also presented practical implications for different stakeholders together with research gaps and future directions for enthusiastic L2 investigators.
School Disengagement and Mental Health Service Intensity Need Among Clinically Referred Students Utilizing the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health Assessment Instrument
Authors: Klassen Janell A. , Stewart Shannon L. , Lapshina Natalia
Published: December 2021

Although mental health challenges are widespread, impacting 1 in 5 children and youth, only 25% of these young people receive the required mental health supports. Unmet mental health needs are strongly associated with functional impairments including poor self-care, interpersonal challenges, and school difficulties among young people. School disengagement, or a student's lack of involvement in education through interest, curiosity, motivation, and active participation, is associated with a wide array of detrimental outcomes including chronic mental health difficulties, conduct and delinquent behaviors, criminal justice involvement, and unemployment in adolescence and adulthood. Disengagement observed within the school setting may be indicative of underlying mental health challenges and reflective of service intensity need. The current study extends the literature by examining the relationship between school disengagement and mental health service intensity need among 14,750 clinically referred students across elementary and secondary school utilizing the interRAI Child and Youth Mental Health instrument. Findings indicated that more than 25% of clinically referred students were at heighted risk for school disengagement and required high-intensity services. Further, mental health service intensity need was positively associated with risk of school disengagement among students, along with the specific reason for referral (i.e., psychiatric symptoms, harm to self, harm to others, or addiction or dependency), after controlling for sex and age. Implications of the findings are explored within the context of the school setting and future directions are suggested.
Psychological Impact of COVID-19 Epidemic on Adolescents: A Large Sample Study in China
Authors: Zhou Jiawei , Wang Yini , Bu Tianyi , Zhang Sijia , Chu Haiyun , Li Jiarui , He Jingyun , Zhang Yansheng , Liu Xuan , Qiao Zhengxue , Yang Xiuxian , Yang Yanjie
Published: December 2021

Background: The COVID-19 pandemic is a major public health emergency. However, little is known about the psychological impact of this pandemic on adolescents. We aim to assess the prevalence and influencing factors of depression, anxiety, and posttraumatic growth (PTG) among adolescents in a large sample study.

Methods: This cross-sectional study collected demographic data and mental health measurements from 175,416 adolescents covering 31 provinces, centrally administered municipalities, and autonomous regions in mainland China from February 23 to March 8, 2020. The status of depression, anxiety, and PTG was assessed by the nine-item Patient Health Questionnaire, seven-item generalized anxiety disorder questionnaire, and post-traumatic growth inventory.

Results: The prevalence of depression, anxiety, and PTG in adolescents was 35.9, 28.0, and 45.6%, respectively. The prevalence of depression and anxiety in the slight or severe epidemic areas was similar. Regression analysis showed that female sex and older age were associated with higher levels of depression, anxiety, and lower levels of PTG. Symptoms related to COVID-19, excessive attention to epidemic information, living in urban or severe epidemic areas, and conflicts with parents during home quarantine were risk factors for depression, anxiety, and PTG. Frequent communication with peers, exercise, and receiving public welfare psychological assistance were protective factors. Poor family economic status was a significant risk factor for depression and PTG.

Conclusion: Our findings suggested that positive and negative psychological reactions coexist in adolescents faced with the pandemic. The factors associated with psychological problems and PTG provide strategic guidance for maintaining adolescents' mental health in China and worldwide during any pandemic such as COVID-19.
Histogenous Hypoxia and Acid Retention in Schizophrenia: Changes in Venous Blood Gas Analysis and SOD in Acute and Stable Schizophrenia Patients
Authors: Huang Xingbing , Lu Qiu-Ling , Zhu Xiu-Mei , Zeng Yi-Bin , Liu Yun , Hu Hao-Ying
Published: December 2021

Background: Oxidative stress may play an important role in the pathogenesis of schizophrenia (SCH), and there is considerable indirect evidence that hypoxia is closely related to SCH, but direct evidence of hypoxia in SCH has never been found.

Methods:In this study, superoxide dismutase (SOD), venous blood gas, and Positive and Negative Syndrome Scale (PANSS) were examined in 40 SCH patients and compared with those of 40 healthy controls. The patients were treated with combination of atypical antipsychotics and Ditan Huayu Lishen decoction (a Chinese medicine decoction) and examined in the acute and stable period, respectively. Comparisons of indicators between two groups were performed using an independent-samples t-test, comparison of indicators between the acute and stable periods in the SCH group was performed using paired-samples t-test. Pearson correlation and multiple linear regression analyses were performed to investigate the relationships between the effect indicators.

Results: Higher venous pH, PvO2, and fasting blood glucose levels and lower SOD, lactic acid, and PvCO2 levels were found in SCH patients compared with the control group; SOD was negatively correlated with the general psychopathology subscale score (PANSS-G), and PvO2 levels were closely related to venous pH in SCH and related to PvCO2 in the control group. It was also found that SOD activity showed no significant difference in acute and stable period, whereas PvO2 showed a downward trend, and venous pH was decreased significantly after treatment. Both the venous pH and PvO2 were higher in patients with SCH than that in healthy controls.

Conclusion: It suggests that histogenous hypoxia and acid retention exist in relation to SCH, and there is an improvement of acid retention and a downward trend in histogenous hypoxia after combination treatment. Venous pH, PvO2, and PvCO2 are trait variables, but not state variables of SCH. The theory of histogenous hypoxia and acid retention can well explain the decrease in pH value and the increase in lactic acid in brain tissue of patients with SCH. Histogenous hypoxia and acid retention closely related to glucose metabolism. So they may play an important role in pathophysiology for SCH.
Radioactivity and Space Range of Ultra-Low-Activity for in vivo Off-line PET Verification of Proton and Carbon Ion Beam—A Phantom Study
Authors: Zhang Fuquan , Zhang Junyu , Lu Yan , Sheng Yixiangzi , Sun Yun , Zhang Jiangang , Cheng Jingyi , Zhou Rong
Published: December 2021

Purpose: The radioactivity induced by proton and heavy ion beam belongs to the ultra-low-activity (ULA). Therefore, the radioactivity and space range of commercial off-line positron emission tomography (PET) acquisition based on ULA should be evaluated accurately to guarantee the reliability of clinical verification. The purpose of this study is to quantify the radioactivity and space range of off-line PET acquisition by simulating the ULA triggered by proton and heavy ion beam.

Methods: PET equipment validation phantom and low activity 18F-FDG were used to simulate the ULA with radioactivity of 11.1–1480 Bq/mL. The radioactivity of ULA was evaluated by comparing the radioactivity in the images with the values calculated from the decay function with a radioactivity error tolerance of 5%. The space range of ULA was evaluated by comparing the width of the R50 analyzed activity distribution curve with the actual width of the container with a space range error tolerance of 4 mm.

Results: When radioactivity of ULA was >148 Bq/mL, the radioactivity error was <5%. When radioactivity of ULA was >30 Bq/mL, the space range error was below 4 mm.

Conclusions: Off-line PET can be used to quantify the radioactivity of proton and heavy ion beam when the ULA exceeds 148 Bq/mL, both in radioactivity and in space range.
The Effect of Pandemic Movement Restriction Policies on Children's Physical Fitness, Activity, Screen Time, and Sleep
Authors: Morrison Shawnda A. , Meh Kaja , Sember Vedrana , Starc Gregor , Jurak Gregor
Published: December 2021

Background: The negative impact of isolation, confinement, and physical (in)activity due to pandemic movement restriction has been well-documented over the past year, but less is known on the impact of these policies on children's physical fitness. This study was designed to determine the effects of pandemic movement restriction policies on the 24-hour movement behavior (24-HMB) of children, and whether any alterations are reflected in worsening physical fitness outcomes determined via direct testing.

Methods: A two-phase, repeated-measures study with matched controls was conducted. Phase One: N = 62 schoolchildren (N = 31 female) completed self-assessment questionnaires on 24-HMB in October 2018 (pre-pandemic) and again in April 2020, at the height of movement restrictions enacted in response to the COVID-19 pandemic first wave. Phase Two: physical fitness of the original N = 62 children were determined directly pre- and post-isolation using an eight-component standardized fitness test battery and compared to N = 62 control children who were matched for age, sex, school region, and fitness centile scores.

Results: During lockdown (total duration: 63 days), moderate-to-vigorous physical activity (MVPA) decreased by ~46 min per day, screen time demonstrated a significant interaction effect, such that kids reported spending less recreational screen time on weekends during lockdown compared to no restriction, and sleep duration was consistently lower (95% CI: −104.1 to −45.5 min, p < 0.001). No interaction effect was present for direct fitness indicators, including: hand tapping (reaction time), standing broad jump, polygon backward obstacle course (coordination), sit-ups, stand-and-reach, bent-arm hang, 60-m, and 600-m run (p ≥ 0.05) although significant main effects are noted for both sexes.

Conclusion: Initial changes in 24-HMB did not translate to reductions in physical fitness per se, likely due to the high initial fitness levels of the children. Further work is needed to confirm whether longer or repeated movement restrictions exacerbate initial negative 24-HMB trends, especially for children who are less fit when restrictions are initiated, prolonged, or repeated.
Aging, Osteo-Sarcopenia, and Musculoskeletal Mechano-Transduction
Authors: Leser Jenna M. , Harriot Anicca , Buck Heather V. , Ward Christopher W. , Stains Joseph P.
Published: December 2021

The decline in the mass and function of bone and muscle is an inevitable consequence of healthy aging with early onset and accelerated decline in those with chronic disease. Termed osteo-sarcopenia, this condition predisposes the decreased activity, falls, low-energy fractures, and increased risk of co-morbid disease that leads to musculoskeletal frailty. The biology of osteo-sarcopenia is most understood in the context of systemic neuro-endocrine and immune/inflammatory alterations that drive inflammation, oxidative stress, reduced autophagy, and cellular senescence in the bone and muscle. Here we integrate these concepts to our growing understanding of how bone and muscle senses, responds and adapts to mechanical load. We propose that age-related alterations in cytoskeletal mechanics alter load-sensing and mechano-transduction in bone osteocytes and muscle fibers which underscores osteo-sarcopenia. Lastly, we examine the evidence for exercise as an effective countermeasure to osteo-sarcopenia.
Sustainability of Groundwater for Irrigation Purposes in Semi-arid Parts of Namibia
Authors: Amwele Hilma Rantilla , Kgabi Nnenesi Anna , Kandjibi Liisa Indileni
Published: December 2021

The groundwater quality data from 1,137 boreholes in 10 regions of Namibia were assessed for sodium adsorption ratio (SAR), Kelly's ratio (KR), sodium percentage (Na%), magnesium adsorption ratio (MAR), total hardness (TH), soluble sodium percentage (SSP), potential salinity (PS), electrical conductivity (EC), and total dissolved solids (TDS) to determine the suitability for the irrigation. The groundwater was classified as follows: all the regions' groundwater shows the TH as very hard water of >4.6 meq/l, PS as not suitable for irrigation (>3 meq/l), and EC as very highly (0.75–2.25 dS/m). However, Na%: 10% of regions have doubtful water (>80%), MAR: 30% of regions are not recommended for irrigation (>50 meq/l), and TDS: 90% of the regions have slightly moderate (450–2,000 mg/l) and 10% have groundwater that is unsuitable for agricultural purposes (>2,000 mg/l). The unsuitability of groundwater for irrigation could be due to higher concentrations of K+, Mg2+, Ca2+, and Cl− that has exceeded the FAO guideline for irrigation. Some groundwater qualities had inverse classification such as SAR all regions have excellent groundwater (<10 meq/l), KR: 90% of regions have safe water (<1 meq/l), Na%: 50% of regions have good groundwater (20–40%), 40% of the regions have permissible water (40–80%), and MAR: +70% of region's water is recommended for irrigation (<50 meq/l).
Antimicrobial Usage Surveillance Through Sales at Veterinary Drug Shops Intended for Livestock in Vietnam
Authors: Ha Le Thi Thu , Rueanghiran Chalalai , Giang Nguyen Thi Huong , Thuy Doan Phuong , Phu Doan Hoang , Tuan Kiet Bach , Hien Vo Be , Hue Le Thi , Padungtod Pawin , Truong Bao Dinh , Carrique-Mas Juan J.
Published: December 2021

There is a pressing need to establish surveillance systems for antimicrobial use (AMU) intended for animal production particularly in many low- and middle-income countries. This is an extremely challenging task, notably due to the wide range of animal species, production types and antimicrobials available in the market. In Vietnam, farmers commonly buy antimicrobials from veterinary drug shops. Therefore, veterinary drug shops are a potential target for data collection on AMU. We collected antimicrobial sales data at veterinary drug shops and estimated the amount of AMU in different animal species by antimicrobial active ingredient (AAI) class using different measurement metrics. We compiled information on all antimicrobials licensed in Vietnam and used this information to develop a mobile application to capture sales of antimicrobials intended for use in poultry, pig, and ruminant. We provided tablets with this application to 60 veterinary drug shops in two provinces of the country (Bac Giang in the north, Dong Thap in the south; three districts and 30 shops per province) for data collection over 3 weeks. Total sales of antimicrobials were extrapolated to 1 year, and these amounts were related to three different denominator estimates in each province including standing animal body weight, animal biomass, and Population Correction Unit (PCU). A total of 3,960 transactions [2,577 (median 75.5 per shop) in Bac Giang; 1,383 (median 28.5 per shop) in Dong Thap] of 831 different antimicrobial-containing products were recorded in the 3-week period. Sales of 57 AAIs belonging to 17 classes were recorded. In the three Bac Giang districts, we estimated that 242.0 kg of AAI were hypothetically sold over 1 year. Of those, 202.2 kg (83.6%) were intended for poultry, 19.8 kg (8.1%) for pigs, and 20.0 kg (8.3%) for ruminants. In Dong Thap, an estimated 48.4 kg of antimicrobials were sold, including 28.9 kg (59.7%) for poultry, 16.0 kg (33.1%) for pigs, and 3.5 kg (7.2%) for ruminants. After standardized by different animal population denominators, AMU in Bac Giang amounted to 1129.2 mg/kg standing animal body weight, 480.2 mg/kg biomass, and 636.1 mg/kg PCU. In Dong Thap, AMU figures were 1211.0 mg/kg standing animal body weight, 595.8 mg/kg biomass and 818.5 mg/kg PCU. We discuss the observed differences between species, location and metrics, as well as the potential advantages and limitations (including potential sources of bias) of this methodology and its applicability at country level. Retail level data collection can effectively be integrated into AMU surveillance systems that help identify priority AMU management areas (species, regions, and antimicrobial classes), establish national benchmarks and reduction targets.
Stroke Volume Variation-Guided Goal-Directed Fluid Therapy Did Not Significantly Reduce the Incidence of Early Postoperative Complications in Elderly Patients Undergoing Minimally Invasive Esophagectomy: A Randomized Controlled Trial
Authors: Tang Wei , Qiu Yuwei , Lu Huijie , Xu Meiying , Wu Jingxiang
Published: December 2021

Study Objective: This study aimed to investigate whether stroke volume variation (SVV)-guided goal-directed therapy (GDT) can improve postoperative outcomes in elderly patients undergoing minimally invasive esophagectomy (MIE) compared with conventional care.

Design: A prospective, randomized, controlled study.

Setting: A single tertiary care center with a study period from November 2017 to December 2018.

Patients: Patients over 65 years old who were scheduled for elective MIE.

Interventions: The GDT protocol included a baseline fluid supplement of 7 ml/kg/h Ringer's lactate solution and SVV optimization using colloid boluses assessed by pulse-contour analysis (PiCCO™). When SVV exceeded 11%, colloid was infused at a rate of 50 ml per minute; if SVV returned below 9% for at least 2 minutes, then colloid was stopped.

Measurements: The primary outcome was the incidence of postoperative complications before discharge, as assessed using a predefined list, including postoperative anastomotic leakage, postoperative hoarseness, postoperative pulmonary complications, chylothorax, myocardial injury, and all-cause mortality.

Main Results: Sixty-five patients were included in the analysis. The incidence of postoperative complications between groups was similar (GDT 36.4% vs. control 37.5%, P = 0.92). The total fluid volume was not significantly different between the two groups (2,192 ± 469 vs. 2,201 ± 337 ml, P = 0.92). Compared with those in the control group (n = 32), patients in the GDT group (n = 33) received more colloids intraoperatively (874 ± 369 vs. 270 ± 67 ml, P <0.05) and less crystalloid fluid (1,318 ± 386 vs. 1,937 ± 334 ml, P <0.05).

Conclusion: The colloid-based SVV optimization during GDT did not significantly reduce the incidence of early postoperative complications after minimally invasive esophagectomy in elderly patients.

Clinical Trial Number and Registry URL: ChiCTR-INR-17013352; http://www.chictr.org.cn/showproj.aspx?proj=22883
A Low-Serum Culture System for Prolonged in Vitro Toxicology Experiments on a Macrophage System
Authors: Dalzon Bastien , Torres Anaelle , Devcic Julie , Fenel Daphna , Sergent Jacques-Aurélien , Rabilloud Thierry
Published: December 2021

Immunotoxicology sensu lato comprises not only toxicity toward immune cells, but also biological reactions from immune cells exposed to toxicants, reactions that may have deleterious effects at the organismal level. Within this wide frame, a specific case of interest is represented by the response of macrophages to particulate materials, with the epitome examples of asbestos and crystalline silica. For such toxicants that are both persistent and often encountered in an occupational setting, i.e. at low but repeated doses, there is a need for in vitro systems that can take into account these two parameters. Currently, most in vitro systems are used in an acute exposure mode, i.e., with a single dose and a readout made shortly if not immediately after exposure. We describe here how adequate changes of the culture methods applied to the murine macrophage cell line J774A.1 enable longer periods of culture (several days), which represents a first opportunity to address the persistence and dose-rate issues. To respond to this, the protocol uses a reduction in the concentration of the animal serum used for cell culture, as well as a switch from fetal to adult serum, which is less rich in proliferation factors. By doing so, we have considerably reduced cell proliferation, which is a problem with cell lines when they are supposed to represent slowly-dividing cells such as resident macrophages. We also succeeded in maintaining the differentiated functions of macrophages, such as phagocytosis or inflammatory responses, over the whole culture period. Furthermore, the presence of serum, even at low concentrations, provides excellent cell viability and keeps the presence of a protein corona on particulate materials, a feature that is known to strongly modulate their effects on cells and is lost in serum-free culture. Besides data showing the impact of these conditions on macrophages cell line cultures, illustrative examples are shown on silica- and cobalt-based pigments.