bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Determinants of length for age Z scores among children aged 6–23 months in Central Java, Indonesia: a path analysis
Authors: Kartasurya Martha Irene , Syauqy Ahmad , Suyatno Suyatno , Dewantiningrum Julian , Nuryanto Nuryanto , Sunarto Sunarto , Isnawati Muflihah , Nurcahyani Yusi Dwi , Wati Erna Kusuma , Hapsari Pramesthi Widya , Samsudin Mohamad , Fuada Noviati
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Length for Age Z (LAZ) score determinants are complex and vary among different areas, but it is important for designing effective and efficient strategies to decrease stunting prevalence among children under 2 years. This study aimed to investigate the determinants of LAZ scores among children under 2 years in Central Java, Indonesia.

Methods

This study was conducted on the 2021 Indonesian Nutritional Status Study (INSS) dataset, which was a cross-sectional survey. Data on 3,430 children aged 6–23 months from Central Java province were derived from the 2021 INSS data. After missing data elimination, 3,238 subjects were included in the analysis. Determinant factors included direct and indirect factors. Direct factors were the mother's age, birth weight Z score (BWZ), birth length Z score (BLZ), exclusively breastfed history, dietary diversity scores (DDS), empty calorie drink consumption, unhealthy snacks consumption, and infections. Indirect factors were early initiation of breastfeeding (EIBF) and posyandu (integrated health post) utilization. Underlying factors were socioeconomic status (SES) and the mother's education. Bivariate analyses and multiple linear regressions were conducted. A path analysis with a hypothesized model based on the UNICEF conceptual framework was also performed.

Results

Stunting, wasting and underweight proportions among the subjects were 19.1%, 7.6% and 12.3%, respectively. The mean LAZ scores were −0.95 ± 1.22; the mother's age was 29.7 ± 5.95 years; BWZ was −0.47 ± 0.97; BLZ was −0.55 ± 1.05; and DDS was 4.45 ± 1.51. The infection proportion among the subjects was 28%. BWZ and BLZ were positively correlated to LAZ scores, with r = 0.267 (p < 0.01) and r = 0.260 (p < 0.01), respectively. The mother's age was negatively correlated to LAZ scores with r = −0.041 (p < 0.05). Maternal education was positively correlated to SES but had no direct effect on LAZ scores. LAZ score determinants of BLZ (p < 0.001) and SES (p < 0.001) showed positive direct associations with LAZ scores, but the mother's age (p = 0.039), exclusively breastfed history (p < 0.001), and empty calorie drinks consumption (p < 0.001) had negative associations with LAZ scores.

Conclusion

To prevent stunting among children aged 6–23 months in Central Java, Indonesia, intervention programs to increase the nutritional status of women at child-bearing age and nutrition education on child feeding practices should be conducted more efficiently and effectively.
Altered zinc homeostasis in a primary cell culture model of the retinal pigment epithelium
Authors: Álvarez-Barrios Ana , Álvarez Lydia , Artime Enol , García Montserrat , Lengyel Imre , Pereiro Rosario , González-Iglesias Héctor
Published: April 2023

The retinal pigment epithelium (RPE) is progressively degenerated during age-related macular degeneration (AMD), one of the leading causes of irreversible blindness, which clinical hallmark is the buildup of sub-RPE extracellular material. Clinical observations indicate that Zn dyshomeostasis can initiate detrimental intracellular events in the RPE. In this study, we used a primary human fetal RPE cell culture model producing sub-RPE deposits accumulation that recapitulates features of early AMD to study Zn homeostasis and metalloproteins changes. RPE cell derived samples were collected at 10, 21 and 59 days in culture and processed for RNA sequencing, elemental mass spectrometry and the abundance and cellular localization of specific proteins. RPE cells developed processes normal to RPE, including intercellular unions formation and expression of RPE proteins. Punctate deposition of apolipoprotein E, marker of sub-RPE material accumulation, was observed from 3 weeks with profusion after 2 months in culture. Zn cytoplasmic concentrations significantly decreased 0.2 times at 59 days, from 0.264 ± 0.119 ng·μg−1 at 10 days to 0.062 ± 0.043 ng·μg−1 at 59 days (p < 0.05). Conversely, increased levels of Cu (1.5-fold in cytoplasm, 5.0-fold in cell nuclei and membranes), Na (3.5-fold in cytoplasm, 14.0-fold in cell nuclei and membranes) and K (6.8-fold in cytoplasm) were detected after 59-days long culture. The Zn-regulating proteins metallothioneins showed significant changes in gene expression over time, with a potent down-regulation at RNA and protein level of the most abundant isoform in primary RPE cells, from 0.141 ± 0.016 ng·mL−1 at 10 days to 0.056 ± 0.023 ng·mL−1 at 59 days (0.4-fold change, p < 0.05). Zn influx and efflux transporters were also deregulated, along with an increase in oxidative stress and alterations in the expression of antioxidant enzymes, including superoxide dismutase, catalase and glutathione peroxidase. The RPE cell model producing early accumulation of extracellular deposits provided evidences on an altered Zn homeostasis, exacerbated by changes in cytosolic Zn-binding proteins and Zn transporters, along with variations in other metals and metalloproteins, suggesting a potential role of altered Zn homeostasis during AMD development.
Assessment of sensory and nutritional attributes of foxtail millet-based food products
Authors: Arora Laghima , Aggarwal Renuka , Dhaliwal Inderpreet , Gupta Om Prakash , Kaushik Prashant
Published: April 2023

Millets are a rich source of many health-promoting nutrients as well as bioactive compounds such as dietary fibers, antioxidants, macro and micronutrients etc., compared to other staple cereals such as rice, wheat and maize. These nutrients play a central role in the world nutritional security. Despite the inbuilt nutritional benefits, the production of millets has witnessed sharp decline owing to taste preferences, keeping quality and challenges associated with food preparation from millets. To sensitize the consumers about the nutritional benefits of foxtail millet, the present study was planned to formulate and nutritionally evaluate eight diversified foxtail millet-based food products namely rusk, kheer, pinni, sattu, vegetable dalia, cookies, bar and papad by replacing commonly used cereals such as wheat and rice. The products prepared from Foxtail millet were found to have high acceptability with mean score of more than 8.00. These diversified food products showed higher protein content ranging from 10.98 to 16.10 g/100 g, with the highest protein found in Foxtail millet kheer (16.01 g/100 g). The resistant starch content and predicted glycemic index (PGI) of these products ranged between 13.67 to 22.61 g/100 g and 46.12 to 57.55, respectively, with the highest resistant starch (22.61 ± 0.69 g/100 g) and lowest PGI (48.42 ± 0.20) found in millet bar. The high resistant starch and low PGI in foxtail millet products suggest that they could serve as an excellent food source suitable for diabetics. The obtained results suggest that all the Foxtail millet-based value-added products have superior nutrient profile and are highly acceptable than the traditional products. Inclusion of these foods in the diets of the population may help in the prevention of malnutrition and type 2 diabetes.
Preoperative levels of folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells in different subtypes of early-stage lung adenocarcinoma: Predictive value for determining extent of surgical resection
Authors: Zhou Chao , Zhao Ran , Zhao Ruiying , Wang Ansheng , Li Wentao
Published: April 2023

Background

The objective was to measure the correlations of preoperative levels of folate receptor-positive circulating tumor cells (FR+CTCs) with clinical characteristics and histologic subtype in early-stage lung adenocarcinoma, and to determine the predictive value of FR+CTC level in preoperative determination of the extent of surgical resection.

Patients and methods

In this retrospective, single-institution, observational study, preoperative FR+CTC levels were measured via ligand-targeted enzyme-linked polymerization in patients with early-stage lung adenocarcinoma. Receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis was used to identify the optimal cutoff value of FR+CTC level for prediction of various clinical characteristics and histologic subtypes.

Results

No significant difference in FR+CTC level was observed among patients with adenocarcinoma in situ (AIS), minimally invasive adenocarcinoma (MIA), and invasive adenocarcinoma (IAC) (P = 0.813). Within the non-mucinous adenocarcinoma group, no difference was observed among patients with tumors whose predominant growth patterns were lepidic, acinar, papillary, micropapillary, solid, and complex gland (P = 0.053). However, significant differences in FR+CTC level were observed between patients with and without the micropapillary subtype [11.21 (8.22-13.61) vs. 9.85 (7.43-12.63), P = 0.017], between those with and without the solid subtype [12.16 (8.27-14.90) vs. 9.87 (7.50-12.49), P = 0.022], and between those with any of the advanced subtypes (micropapillary, solid, or complex glands) vs. none of these [10.48 (7.83-13.67) vs. 9.76 (7.42-12.42), P = 0.032]. FR+CTC level was also correlated with degree of differentiation of lung adenocarcinoma (P = 0.033), presence of visceral pleural invasion (VPI) of lung carcinoma (P = 0.003), and lymph node metastasis of lung carcinoma (P = 0.035).

Conclusion

FR+CTC level is of potential predictive value in determining the presence of aggressive histologic patterns (micropapillary, solid, and advanced subtypes), degree of differentiation, and occurrence of VPI and lymph node metastasis in IAC. Measurement of FR+CTC level combined with intraoperative frozen sections may represent a more effective method of guiding resection strategy in cases of cT1N0M0 IAC with high-risk factors.
5-Demethylnobiletin mediates cell cycle arrest and apoptosis via the ERK1/2/AKT/STAT3 signaling pathways in glioblastoma cells
Authors: Zhang Xuehua , Zhao Leilei , Xiao Jinlong , Wang Yudi , Li Yunmeng , Zhu Chaoqun , Zhang He , Zhang Yurui , Zhu Xiao , Dong Yucui
Published: April 2023

5-Demethylnobiletin is the active ingredient in citrus polymethoxyflavones that could inhibit the proliferation of several tumor cells. However, the anti-tumor effect of 5-Demethylnobiletin on glioblastoma and the underlying molecular mechanisms are remains unknown. In our study, 5-Demethylnobiletin markedly inhibited the viability, migration and invasion of glioblastoma U87-MG, A172 and U251 cells. Further research revealed that 5-Demethylnobiletin induces cell cycle arrest at the G0/G1 phase in glioblastoma cells by downregulating Cyclin D1 and CDK6 expression levels. Furthermore, 5-Demethylnobiletin significantly induced glioblastoma cells apoptosis by upregulating the protein levels of Bax and downregulating the protein level of Bcl-2, subsequently increasing the expression of cleaved caspase-3 and cleaved caspase-9. Mechanically, 5-Demethylnobiletin trigged G0/G1 phase arrest and apoptosis by inhibiting the ERK1/2, AKT and STAT3 signaling pathway. Furthermore, 5-Demethylnobiletin inhibition of U87-MG cell growth was reproducible in vivo model. Therefore, 5-Demethylnobiletin is a promising bioactive agent that might be used as glioblastoma treatment drug.
Contents in tumor-educated platelets as the novel biosource for cancer diagnostics
Authors: Zhang Qianru , Song Xianrang , Song Xingguo
Published: April 2023

Liquid biopsy, a powerful non-invasive test, has been widely used in cancer diagnosis and treatment. Platelets, the second most abundant cells in peripheral blood, are becoming one of the richest sources of liquid biopsy with the capacity to systematically and locally respond to the presence of cancer and absorb and store circulating proteins and different types of nucleic acids, thus called “tumor-educated platelets (TEPs)”. The contents of TEPs are significantly and specifically altered, empowering them with the potential as cancer biomarkers. The current review focuses on the alternation of TEP content, including coding and non-coding RNA and proteins, and their role in cancer diagnostics.
Validation of attenuation imaging coefficient, shear wave elastography, and dispersion as emerging tools for non-invasive evaluation of liver tissue in children
Authors: Cetiner Metin , Schiepek Felix , Finkelberg Ilja , Hirtz Raphael , Büscher Anja K.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

The number of children with acute and chronic liver disease is rising. Moreover, liver involvement may be limited to subtle changes in organ texture especially in early childhood and some syndromic conditions, such as ciliopathies. Attenuation imaging coefficient (ATI), shear wave elastography (SWE), and dispersion (SWD) are emerging ultrasound technologies providing data about attenuation, elasticity, and viscosity of liver tissue. This additional and qualitative information has been correlated with certain liver pathologies. However, limited data are available for healthy controls and have mainly been raised in adults.

Methods

This prospective monocentric study was conducted at a university hospital with a specialization in pediatric liver disease and transplantation. Between February and July 2021, 129 children aged 0-17.92 years were recruited. Study participants attended outpatient clinics due to minor illnesses excluding liver or cardiac diseases, acute (febrile) infections or other conditions affecting liver tissue and function. ATI, SWE, and SWD measurements were performed on an Aplio i800 (Canon Medical Systems) with an i8CX1 curved transducer by two different investigators with long-standing experience in pediatric ultrasound according to a standardized protocol.

Results

Considering multiple potential covariates, we derived percentile charts for all 3 devices relying on the Lambda-Mu-Sigma (LMS) approach. 112 children were considered for further analysis, excluding those with abnormal liver function and under-/overweight (BMI SDS<-1.96/> 1.96, respectively). Age range was 0-17.92 years (mean 6.89±0.50SD), 58% were male. The mean duration of the ultrasound examination (basic ultrasound plus SWE, SWD, and ATI) was 6.67±0.22 minutes and it was well tolerated in 83% (n=92) of cases. While ATI was related to age, SWD was found to depend on BMI SDS, and SWE on abdominal wall thickness and sex. ATI correlated with neither SWE nor SWD, but SWE was correlated with SWD.

Conclusions

Our study provides norm values and reference charts for ATI, SWE, and SWD considering important covariates including age, sex and, BMI. This may help to implement these promising tools into imaging diagnostics of liver disease and to improve the diagnostic relevance of liver ultrasound. In addition, these noninvasive techniques proved to be time-effective and highly reliable, which make them ideal for application in children.
25-hydroxyvitamin D levels in children of different ages and with varying degrees of Helicobacter pylori infection and immunological features
Authors: Ma Peng-fei , Dai Qun , Chu Jing , Zhuo Lin , Chen Yi , Cheng Rong , Wu Cheng , Yuan Li-Ping
Published: April 2023

Background

Helicobacter pylori (HP) is a major cause of upper digestive tract diseases. However, the relationship between HP infection and 25-hydroxyvitamin D [25(OH)D] levels in children has not been fully elucidated. This study investigated the levels of 25(OH)D in children of different ages and with varying degrees of HP infection and immunological features as well as the correlations between 25(OH)D levels in children infected with HP and their ages and degrees of infection.

Materials and methods

Ninety-four children who underwent upper digestive endoscopy were divided into an HP-positive group without peptic ulcers (Group A), an HP-positive group with peptic ulcers (Group B) and an HP-negative control group (Group C). The serum levels of 25(OH)D and immunoglobulin and the percentages of lymphocyte subsets were determined. HP colonization, the degree of inflammation, and the degree of activity were further evaluated by HE staining and immunohistochemical staining in gastric mucosal biopsy.

Results

The 25(OH)D level of the HP-positive groups (50.93 ± 16.51 nmol/L) was significantly lower than that of the HP-negative group (62.89 ± 19.18 nmol/L). The 25(OH)D level of Group B (47.79 ± 14.79 nmol/L) was lower than that of Group A (51.53 ± 17.05 nmol/L) and was significantly lower than that of Group C (62.89 ± 19.18 nmol/L). The 25(OH)D level decreased with increasing age, and there was a significant difference between Group C subjects who were ≤5 years old and those who were aged 6–9 years and ≥10 years. The 25(OH)D level was negatively correlated with HP colonization (r = −0.411, P < 0.01) and the degree of inflammation (r = −0.456, P < 0.01). The percentages of lymphocyte subsets and immunoglobulin levels among Groups A, B and C were not significantly different.

Conclusions

The 25(OH)D level was negatively correlated with HP colonization and the degree of inflammation. As the age of the children increased, the level of 25(OH)D decreased, and the susceptibility to HP infection increased.
Return to play following spine surgery
Authors: Tetreault Tyler A. , Garg Sumeet
Published: April 2023

Return to physical activity is a primary concern for adolescents with idiopathic scoliosis who are indicated for spinal fusion surgery. Preoperative counseling often addresses questions regarding ability to return to sport, postoperative restrictions, time away from play, and the safety of returning to activities. Previous works have shown that flexibility can noticeably decrease after surgery, and that the ability to return to the same level of play may be impacted by the levels of the spine included in the fusion. Equipoise remains on when patients should be allowed to return to non-contact, contact, and collision play; however, there is a trend toward earlier release to activities over the last few decades. Sources agree, though, that returning to play is safe, with rare instances of complications reported for patients with spinal fusion. Here, we review the literature on the function of spinal fusion levels on flexibility and biomechanics, address factors that may influence one's recovery of sports performance, and discuss safety considerations regarding return play following spine surgery.
Anti-hyperuricemia effect of hesperetin is mediated by inhibiting the activity of xanthine oxidase and promoting excretion of uric acid
Authors: An Meng-Fei , Shen Chang , Zhang Shao-Shi , Wang Ming-Yue , Sun Ze-Rui , Fan Mao-Si , Zhang Li-Juan , Zhao Yun-Li , Sheng Jun , Wang Xuan-Jun
Published: April 2023

Graphical Abstract

Both in vivo and in vitro experiments suggested that HSE may effectively lower uric acid. The mechanism might be the inhibition of XOD activity, down-regulation of TLR4-NLRP3 inflammasome and up-regulation expression of OAT1, OAT3, OCT1, OCT2 proteins.
The value of cuproptosis-related differential genes in guiding prognosis and immune status in patients with skin cutaneous melanoma
Authors: Sun Yuming , Lei Shaorong , Luo Xiangyue , Jiang Chufeng , Li Zhexuan
Published: April 2023

Background: Skin cutaneous melanoma (SKCM) is one of the most common cutaneous malignancies, which incidence is increasing. Cuproptosis is a new type of programming cell death recently reported, which may affect the progression of SKCM.

Method: The mRNA expression data of melanoma were obtained from the Gene Expression Omnibus and the Cancer Genome Atlas databases. We constructed a prognostic model according to the cuproptosis-related differential genes in SKCM. Finally, real-time quantitative PCR was performed to verify the expression of cuproptosis-related differential genes in patients with different stages of cutaneous melanoma.

Results: We detected 767 cuproptosis-related differential genes based on 19 cuproptosis-related genes, and screened out 7 differential genes to construct a prognostic model, which including three high-risk differential genes (SNAI2, RAP1GAP, BCHE), and four low-risk differential genes (JSRP1, HAPLN3, HHEX, ERAP2). Kaplan-Meier analysis indicated that SKCM patients with low-risk differential genes signals had better prognosis. The Encyclopedia of Genomes results manifested that cuproptosis-related differential genes are not only involved in T cell receptor signaling channel, natural killer cell mediated cytotoxicity, but also chemokine signaling pathway and B cell receptor signaling pathway. In our risk scoring model, the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) values of the three-time nodes are 0.669 (1-year), 0.669 (3-year) and 0.685 (5-year), respectively. Moreover, the tumor burden mutational and immunology function, cell stemness characteristics and drug sensitivity have significant differences between low-risk group and high-risk group. The mRNA level of SNAI2, RAP1GAP and BCHE in stage Ⅲ+Ⅳ SKCM patients was significantly higher than that in stage Ⅰ+Ⅱ patients, while the level of JSRP1, HAPLN3, HHEX and ERAP2 in stage Ⅰ+Ⅱ SKCM patients was more remarkable higher than that in stage Ⅲ+Ⅳ SKCM patients.

Conclusion: In summary, we suggest that cuproptosis can not only regulate the tumor immune microenvironment but also affect the prognosis of SKCM patients, and may offer a basic theory for SKCM patients survival studies and clinical decision-making with potentially therapeutic drugs.
High-fat diets enhance and delay ursodeoxycholic acid absorption but elevate circulating hydrophobic bile salts
Authors: Huang Liang , Wei Wei , Huang Xiaomei , Li Xuejing , Liu Haisha , Gui Lanlan , Jiang Jinping , Wan Linfei , Zhou Xiangxiang , Ding Jingsong , Jiang Xuehua , Zhang Bikui , Lan Ke
Published: April 2023

Background: Ursodeoxycholic acid (UDCA) is a natural drug essential for the treatment of cholestatic liver diseases. The food effects on the absorption of UDCA and the disposition of circulating bile salts remain unclear despite its widespread global uses. This study aims to investigate the effects of high-fat (HF) diets on the pharmacokinetics of UDCA and disclose how the circulated bile salts were simultaneously perturbed.

Methods: After an overnight fast, a cohort of 36 healthy subjects received a single oral dose (500 mg) of UDCA capsules, and another cohort of 31 healthy subjects received the same dose after consuming a 900 kcal HF meal. Blood samples were collected from 48 h pre-dose up to 72 h post-dose for pharmacokinetic assessment and bile acid profiling analysis.

Results: The HF diets significantly delayed the absorption of UDCA, with the Tmax of UDCA and its major metabolite, glycoursodeoxycholic acid (GUDCA), changing from 3.3 h and 8.0 h in the fasting study to 4.5 h and 10.0 h in the fed study, respectively. The HF diets did not alter the Cmax of UDCA and GUDCA but immediately led to a sharp increase in the plasma levels of endogenous bile salts including those hydrophobic ones. The AUC0–72h of UDCA significantly increased from 25.4 μg h/mL in the fasting study to 30.8 μg h/mL in the fed study, while the AUC0–72h of GUDCA showed no difference in both studies. As a result, the Cmax of total UDCA (the sum of UDCA, GUDCA, and TUDCA) showed a significant elevation, while the AUC0–72h of total UDCA showed a slight increase without significance in the fed study compared to the fasting study.

Conclusion: The HF diets delay UDCA absorption due to the extension of gastric empty time. Although UDCA absorption was slightly enhanced by the HF diets, the beneficial effect may be limited in consideration of the simultaneous elevation of circulating hydrophobic bile salts.
Zinc biofortification through seed nutri-priming using alternative zinc sources and concentration levels in pea and sunflower microgreens
Authors: Poudel Pradip , Di Gioia Francesco , Lambert Joshua D. , Connolly Erin L.
Published: April 2023

Micronutrient deficiencies caused by malnutrition and hidden hunger are a growing concern worldwide, exacerbated by climate change, COVID-19, and conflicts. A potentially sustainable way to mitigate such challenges is the production of nutrient-dense crops through agronomic biofortification techniques. Among several potential target crops, microgreens are considered suitable for mineral biofortification because of their short growth cycle, high content of nutrients, and low level of anti-nutritional factors. A study was conducted to evaluate the potential of zinc (Zn) biofortification of pea and sunflower microgreens via seed nutri-priming, examining the effect of different Zn sources (Zn sulfate, Zn-EDTA, and Zn oxide nanoparticles) and concentrations (0, 25, 50, 100, and 200 ppm) on microgreen yield components; mineral content; phytochemical constituents such as total chlorophyll, carotenoids, flavonoids, anthocyanin, and total phenolic compounds; antioxidant activity; and antinutrient factors like phytic acid. Treatments were arranged in a completely randomized factorial block design with three replications. Seed soaked in a 200 ppm ZnSO4 solution resulted in higher Zn accumulation in both peas (126.1%) and sunflower microgreens (229.8%). However, an antagonistic effect on the accumulation of other micronutrients (Fe, Mn, and Cu) was seen only in pea microgreens. Even at high concentrations, seed soaking in Zn-EDTA did not effectively accumulate Zn in both microgreens’ species. ZnO increased the chlorophyll, total phenols, and antioxidant activities compared to Zn-EDTA. Seed soaking in ZnSO4 and ZnO solutions at higher concentrations resulted in a lower phytic acid/Zn molar ratio, suggesting the higher bioaccessibility of the biofortified Zn in both pea and sunflower microgreens. These results suggest that seed nutrient priming is feasible for enriching pea and sunflower microgreens with Zn. The most effective Zn source was ZnSO4, followed by ZnO. The optimal concentration of Zn fertilizer solution should be selected based on fertilizer source, target species, and desired Zn-enrichment level.
A systematic review of bilingual experiences, labels, and descriptions in autism spectrum disorder research
Authors: Hantman Rachel M. , Choi Boin , Hartwick Katie , Nadler Zoe , Luk Gigi
Published: April 2023

There is growing research on autism spectrum disorder (ASD) that examines linguistically diverse samples, increasing research generalizability as many individuals with ASD live in bilingual or multilingual communities. However, bilingualism is not a homogenous experience that can be easily categorized. By clarifying participants' language experiences, research findings can be more meaningful for clinicians and practitioners. In this systematic review, we document how the language experiences of samples with and without ASD were described in 103 peer-reviewed journal articles. We observed that language experiences were characterized using a wide range of labels and descriptions. Approximately half of the studies in this review reported participants' language acquisition history, and 64% of the studies defined language proficiency using standardized measures or parental reports. However, <20% of the studies reported daily language exposure and/or usage of the participants. The diversity in how participants' language experiences were characterized in research reflects the complexity of bilingualism. Yet, to further understand how ASD and bilingualism intersect across studies, to facilitate meta-science development, and to balance generalizability with specificity, reporting common characteristics of bilingual experiences is recommended.
On the speaker discriminatory power asymmetry regarding acoustic-phonetic parameters and the impact of speaking style
Authors: Cavalcanti Julio Cesar , Eriksson Anders , Barbosa Plinio A.
Published: April 2023

This study aimed to assess what we refer to as the speaker discriminatory power asymmetry and its forensic implications in comparisons performed in different speaking styles: spontaneous dialogues vs. interviews. We also addressed the impact of data sampling on the speaker's discriminatory performance concerning different acoustic-phonetic estimates. The participants were 20 male speakers, Brazilian Portuguese speakers from the same dialectal area. The speech material consisted of spontaneous telephone conversations between familiar individuals, and interviews conducted between each individual participant and the researcher. Nine acoustic-phonetic parameters were chosen for the comparisons, spanning from temporal and melodic to spectral acoustic-phonetic estimates. Ultimately, an analysis based on the combination of different parameters was also conducted. Two speaker discriminatory metrics were examined: Cost Log-likelihood-ratio (Cllr) and Equal Error Rate (EER) values. A general speaker discriminatory trend was suggested when assessing the parameters individually. Parameters pertaining to the temporal acoustic-phonetic class depicted the weakest performance in terms of speaker contrasting power as evidenced by the relatively higher Cllr and EER values. Moreover, from the set of acoustic parameters assessed, spectral parameters, mainly high formant frequencies, i.e., F3 and F4, were the best performing in terms of speaker discrimination, depicting the lowest EER and Cllr scores. The results appear to suggest a speaker discriminatory power asymmetry concerning parameters from different acoustic-phonetic classes, in which temporal parameters tended to present a lower discriminatory power. The speaking style mismatch also seemed to considerably impact the speaker comparison task, by undermining the overall discriminatory performance. A statistical model based on the combination of different acoustic-phonetic estimates was found to perform best in this case. Finally, data sampling has proven to be of crucial relevance for the reliability of discriminatory power assessment.
Understanding preschoolers’ word learning success in different scenarios: disambiguation meets statistical learning and eBook reading
Authors: Pino Escobar Gloria , Tuninetti Alba , Antoniou Mark , Escudero Paola
Published: April 2023

Children’s ability to learn new words during their preschool years is crucial for further academic success. Previous research suggests that children rely on different learning mechanisms to acquire new words depending on the available context and linguistic information. To date, there is limited research integrating different paradigms to provide a cohesive view of the mechanisms and processes involved in preschool children’s word learning. We presented 4 year-old children (n= 47) with one of three different novel word-learning scenarios to test their ability to connect novel words to their correspondent referents without explicit instruction to do so. The scenarios were tested with three exposure conditions of different nature: (i) mutual exclusivity–target novel word-referent pair presented with a familiar referent, prompting fast-mappingviadisambiguation, (ii) cross-situational–target novel word-referent pair presented next to an unfamiliar referent prompting statistically tracking the target pairs across trials, and (iii) eBook - target word-referent pairs presented within an audio-visual electronic storybook (eBook), prompting inferring meaning incidentally. Results show children succeed at learning the new words above chance in all three scenarios, with higher performance in eBook and mutual exclusivity than in cross-situational word learning. This illustrates children’s astounding ability to learn while coping with uncertainty and varying degrees of ambiguity, which are common in real-world situations. Findings extend our understanding of how preschoolers learn new words more or less successfully depending on specific word learning scenarios, which should be taken into account when working on vocabulary development for school readiness in the preschool years.
Exploring control-value motivational profiles of mathematics anxiety, self-concept, and interest in adolescents
Authors: Broda Michael D. , Ross Erica , Sorhagen Nicole , Ekholm Eric
Published: April 2023

In this study, we identified multidimensional profiles in students’ math anxiety, math self-concept, and math interest using data from a large generalizable sample of 16,547 9th grade students in the United States who participated in the National Study of Learning Mindsets. We also analyzed the extent that students’ profile memberships are associated with related measures such as prior mathematics achievement, academic stress, and challenge-seeking behavior. Five multidimensional profiles were identified: two profiles which demonstrated relatively high levels of interest and self-concept, along with low math anxiety, in line with the tenets of the control-value theory of academic emotions (C-VTAE); two profiles which demonstrated relatively low levels of interest and self-concept, and high levels of math anxiety (again in accordance with C-VTAE); and one profile, comprising more than 37% of the total sample, which demonstrated medium levels of interest, high levels of self-concept, and medium levels of anxiety. All five profiles varied significantly from one another in their association with the distal variables of challenge seeking behavior, prior mathematics achievement, and academic stress. This study contributes to the literature on math anxiety, self-concept, and interest by identifying and validating student profiles that mainly align with the control-value theory of academic emotions in a large, generalizable sample.
Reducing anxiety and improving self-acceptance in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma through group drawing art therapy
Authors: Liu Xin , Sun Lihong , Du Xinhui , Zhang Chang , Zhang Yijia , Xu Xiaoxia
Published: April 2023

Purpose

This study explored the effect of group drawing art therapy (GDAT) on anxiety and self-acceptance in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.

Methods

Using a randomized experimental study design, 40 children and adolescents with osteosarcoma who were treated in our hospital from December 2021 to December 2022 were selected as the research objects, including 20 in the intervention group and 20 in the control group. The control group received routine care for osteosarcoma, while the intervention group participated in eight sessions of GDAT, twice a week, 90–100 min each, in addition to routine care for osteosarcoma. A screening for children’s anxiety disorders (SCARED) and a self-acceptance questionnaire (SAQ) were used to evaluate the patients before and after the intervention.

Results

After 8 weeks of GDAT, the SCARED total score in the intervention group was 11.30 ± 8.603, and that in the control group was 22.10 ± 11.534. The difference between the two groups was statistically significant (t = -3.357, P < 0.05). In the intervention group, the SAQ total score was 48.25 ± 4.204, with self-acceptance and self-evaluation factor scores of 24.40 ± 2.521 and 23.85 ± 2.434, respectively. In the control group, the SAQ total score was 42.20 ± 4.047; the self-acceptance factor score was 21.20 ± 3.350 and that of the self-evaluation factor was 21.00 ± 2.224. The differences between the two groups were statistically significant (t = 4.637, P < 0.001; t = 3.413, P < 0.05; t = 3.866, P < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Group drawing art therapy can reduce anxiety and improve the levels of self-acceptance and self-evaluation in children and adolescents with osteosarcoma.
Sex Modulates the Pathological Aging Effect on Caudate Functional Connectivity in Mild Cognitive Impairment
Authors: Yang Zhengshi , Caldwell Jessica Z. K. , Cummings Jeffrey L. , Ritter Aaron , Kinney Jefferson W. , Cordes Dietmar ,   The Alzheimer's Disease Neuroimaging Initiative (ADNI)
Published: April 2023

Purpose

To assess the pathological aging effect on caudate functional connectivity among mild cognitive impairment (MCI) participants and examine whether and how sex and amyloid contribute to this process.

Materials and Methods

Two hundred and seventy-seven functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) sessions from 163 cognitive normal (CN) older adults and 309 sessions from 139 participants with MCI were included as the main sample in our analysis. Pearson's correlation was used to characterize the functional connectivity (FC) between caudate nuclei and each brain region, then caudate nodal strength was computed to quantify the overall caudate FC strength. Association analysis between caudate nodal strength and age was carried out in MCI and CN separately using linear mixed effect (LME) model with covariates (education, handedness, sex, Apolipoprotein E4, and intra-subject effect). Analysis of covariance was conducted to investigate sex, amyloid status, and their interaction effects on aging with the fMRI data subset having amyloid status available. LME model was applied to women and men separately within MCI group to evaluate aging effects on caudate nodal strength and each region's connectivity with caudate nuclei. We then evaluated the roles of sex and amyloid status in the associations of neuropsychological scores with age or caudate nodal strength. An independent cohort was used to validate the sex-dependent aging effects in MCI.

Results

The MCI group had significantly stronger age-related increase of caudate nodal strength compared to the CN group. Analyzing women and men separately revealed that the aging effect on caudate nodal strength among MCI participants was significant only for women (left: P = 6.23 × 10−7, right: P = 3.37 × 10−8), but not for men (P > 0.3 for bilateral caudate nuclei). The aging effects on caudate nodal strength were not significantly mediated by brain amyloid burden. Caudate connectivity with ventral prefrontal cortex substantially contributed to the aging effect on caudate nodal strength in women with MCI. Higher caudate nodal strength is significantly related to worse cognitive performance in women but not in men with MCI.

Conclusion

Sex modulates the pathological aging effects on caudate nodal strength in MCI regardless of amyloid status. Caudate nodal strength may be a sensitive biomarker of pathological aging in women with MCI.
A pilot investigation of differential hydroxymethylation levels in patient-derived neural stem cells implicates altered cortical development in bipolar disorder
Authors: Kumar Ashish , Kos Mark Z. , Roybal Donna , Carless Melanie A.
Published: April 2023

Introduction

Bipolar disorder (BD) is a chronic mental illness characterized by recurrent episodes of mania and depression and associated with social and cognitive disturbances. Environmental factors, such as maternal smoking and childhood trauma, are believed to modulate risk genotypes and contribute to the pathogenesis of BD, suggesting a key role in epigenetic regulation during neurodevelopment. 5-hydroxymethylcytosine (5hmC) is an epigenetic variant of particular interest, as it is highly expressed in the brain and is implicated in neurodevelopment, and psychiatric and neurological disorders.

Methods

Induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSCs) were generated from the white blood cells of two adolescent patients with bipolar disorder and their same-sex age-matched unaffected siblings (n = 4). Further, iPSCs were differentiated into neuronal stem cells (NSCs) and characterized for purity using immuno-fluorescence. We used reduced representation hydroxymethylation profiling (RRHP) to perform genome-wide 5hmC profiling of iPSCs and NSCs, to model 5hmC changes during neuronal differentiation and assess their impact on BD risk. Functional annotation and enrichment testing of genes harboring differentiated 5hmC loci were performed with the online tool DAVID.

Results

Approximately 2 million sites were mapped and quantified, with the majority (68.8%) located in genic regions, with elevated 5hmC levels per site observed for 3’ UTRs, exons, and 2-kb shorelines of CpG islands. Paired t-tests of normalized 5hmC counts between iPSC and NSC cell lines revealed global hypo-hydroxymethylation in NSCs and enrichment of differentially hydroxymethylated sites within genes associated with plasma membrane (FDR = 9.1 × 10−12) and axon guidance (FDR = 2.1 × 10−6), among other neuronal processes. The most significant difference was observed for a transcription factor binding site for the KCNK9 gene (p = 8.8 × 10−6), encoding a potassium channel protein involved in neuronal activity and migration. Protein–protein-interaction (PPI) networking showed significant connectivity (p = 3.2 × 10−10) between proteins encoded by genes harboring highly differentiated 5hmC sites, with genes involved in axon guidance and ion transmembrane transport forming distinct sub-clusters. Comparison of NSCs of BD cases and unaffected siblings revealed additional patterns of differentiation in hydroxymethylation levels, including sites in genes with functions related to synapse formation and regulation, such as CUX2 (p = 2.4 × 10−5) and DOK-7 (p = 3.6 × 10−3), as well as an enrichment of genes involved in the extracellular matrix (FDR = 1.0 × 10−8).

Discussion

Together, these preliminary results lend evidence toward a potential role for 5hmC in both early neuronal differentiation and BD risk, with validation and more comprehensive characterization to be achieved through follow-up study.
Sleep problems in children with autism spectrum disorder in Hong Kong: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Leung Man Ho Brian , Ngan Sze Ting Joanna , Cheng Pak Wing Calvin , Chan Fong Chun Grace , Chang Wing Chung , Cheung Hoi Kei , Ho Chung , Lee Chi Kei Krystal , Tang Yiu Chung Vincent , Wong Siu Man Corine , Chan Kwok Ling Phyllis
Published: April 2023

Background

Autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is a neurodevelopmental disorder with a growing prevalence of sleep problems associated with significant behavioral problems and more severe autism clinical presentation. Little is known about the relationships between autism traits and sleep problems in Hong Kong. Therefore, this study aimed to examine whether children with autism have increased sleep problems than non-autistic children in Hong Kong. The secondary objective was to examine the factors associated with sleep problems in an autism clinical sample.

Methods

This cross-sectional study recruited 135 children with autism and 102 with the same age range of non-autistic children, aged between 6 and 12 years. Both groups were screened and compared on their sleep behaviors using the Children's Sleep Habits Questionnaire (CSHQ).

Results

Children with autism had significantly more sleep problems than non-autistic children [t(226.73) = 6.20, p < 0.001]. Bed -sharing [beta = 0.25, t(165) = 2.75, p = 0.07] and maternal age at birth [beta = 0.15, t(165) = 2.05, p = 0.043] were significant factors associated with CSHQ score on the top of autism traits. Stepwise linear regression modeling identified that only separation anxiety disorder (beta = 4.83, t = 2.40, p = 0.019) best-predicted CSHQ.

Conclusion

In summary, autistic children suffered from significantly more sleep problems and co-occurring separation anxiety disorder brings greater sleep problems as compared to non-autistic children. Clinicians should be more aware of sleep problems to provide more effective treatments to children with autism.
Age-specific associations between serum cholesterol levels and suicidal behaviors in patients with depressive disorders: A naturalistic prospective observational cohort study
Authors: Choi Wonsuk , Kang Hee-Ju , Kim Ju-Wan , Kim Hee Kyung , Kang Ho-Cheol , Lee Ju-Yeon , Kim Sung-Wan , Stewart Robert , Kim Jae-Min
Published: April 2023

Introduction

This study investigated the effects of total cholesterol levels on prevalent, and incident suicidal behaviors according to age group (<60 vs. ≥60 years) in depressed patients.

Methods

Consecutive outpatients with depressive disorders who visited the Chonnam National University Hospital between March 2012 and April 2017 were recruited. Among 1,262 patients assessed at baseline, 1,094 agreed to blood sampling for measurement of serum total cholesterol levels. Among the patients, 884 completed the 12-week acute treatment phase and were followed up at least once during the 12-month continuation treatment phase. Suicidal behaviors assessed at baseline included baseline suicidal severity; behaviors assessed at the 1-year follow-up included increased suicidal severity and fatal/non-fatal suicide attempts. Associations of baseline total cholesterol levels with the above-mentioned suicidal behaviors were analyzed using logistic regression models after adjustment for relevant covariates.

Results

Of 1,094 depressed patients, 753 (68.8%) were women. The mean (SD) age of patients was 57.0 (14.9) years. Lower total cholesterol levels (87–161 mg/dl) were associated with increased suicidal severity (Linear Wald = 4.478, p < 0.05) and fatal/non-fatal suicide attempt (Linear Wald = 7.490, p < 0.01) in patients <60 years of age. U-shaped associations between total cholesterol levels and 1-year follow-up suicidal outcomes (increased suicidal severity, Quadratic Wald = 6.299, p < 0.05; fatal/non-fatal suicide attempt, Quadratic Wald = 5.697, p < 0.05) were observed in patients ≥60 years of age.

Conclusions

These findings suggest that differential consideration of serum total cholesterol levels according to age group may have clinical utility for predicting suicidality in patients with depressive disorders. However, because our research participants came from a single-hospital, the generalizability of our findings may be limited.
School-based mental health promotion: A global policy review
Authors: Margaretha Margaretha , Azzopardi Peter Sebastian , Fisher Jane , Sawyer Susan Margaret
Published: April 2023

Objectives

Schools are increasingly recognized as important settings for mental health promotion, but it is unclear what actions schools should prioritize to promote student mental health and wellbeing. We undertook a policy review of global school-based mental health promotion policy documents from United Nations (UN) agencies to understand the frameworks they use and the actions they recommend for schools.

Methods

We searched for guidelines and manuals from UN agencies through the World Health Organization (WHO) library, the National Library of Australia and Google Scholar, from 2000 to 2021, using various combinations of search terms (e.g., mental health, wellbeing, psychosocial, health, school, framework, manual, and guidelines). Textual data synthesis was undertaken.

Results

Sixteen documents met inclusion criteria. UN policy documents commonly recommended a comprehensive school-health framework aimed at integrating actions to prevent, promote, and support mental health problems within the school community. The primary role of schools was framed around building enabling contexts for mental health and wellbeing. Terminology was relatively inconsistent across different guidelines and manuals, particularly around how comprehensive school health was conceptualized, which included aspects of scope, focus, and approach.

Conclusion

United Nations policy documents are oriented toward comprehensive school-health frameworks for student mental health and wellbeing that include mental health within wider health-promoting approaches. There are expectations that schools have the capabilities to deliver actions to prevent, promote and support mental health problems.

Implication

Effective implementation of school-based mental health promotion requires investments that facilitate specific actions from governments, schools, families, and communities.