bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Inside the Thrombus: Association of Hemostatic Parameters With Outcomes in Large Vessel Stroke Patients
Authors: Marta-Enguita Juan , Navarro-Oviedo Manuel , Muñoz Roberto , Olier-Arenas Jorge , Zalba Guillermo , Lecumberri Ramon , Mendioroz Maite , Paramo Jose A. , Roncal Carmen , Orbe Josune
Published: February 2021

Background: Actual clinical management of ischemic stroke (IS) is based on restoring cerebral blood flow using tissue plasminogen activator (tPA) and/or endovascular treatment (EVT). Mechanical thrombectomy has permitted the analysis of thrombus structural and cellular classic components. Nevertheless, histological assessment of hemostatic parameters such as thrombin-activatable fibrinolysis inhibitor (TAFI) and matrix metalloproteinase 10 (MMP-10) remains unknown, although their presence could determine thrombus stability and its response to thrombolytic treatment, improving patient's outcome.

Methods: We collected thrombi (n = 45) from large vessel occlusion (LVO) stroke patients (n = 53) and performed a histological analysis of different hemostatic parameters [TAFI, MMP-10, von Willebrand factor (VWF), and fibrin] and cellular components (erythrocytes, leukocytes, macrophages, lymphocytes, and platelets). Additionally, we evaluated the association of these parameters with plasma levels of MMP-10, TAFI and VWF activity and recorded clinical variables.

Results: In this study, we report for the first time the presence of MMP-10 and TAFI in all thrombi collected from LVO patients. Both proteins were localized in regions of inflammatory cells, surrounded by erythrocyte and platelet-rich areas, and their content was significantly associated (r = 0.41, p < 0.01). Thrombus TAFI was lower in patients who died during the first 3 months after stroke onset [odds ratio (OR) (95%CI); 0.59 (0.36–0.98), p = 0.043]. Likewise, we observed that thrombus MMP-10 was inversely correlated with the amount of VWF (r = −0.30, p < 0.05). Besides, VWF was associated with the presence of leukocytes (r = 0.37, p < 0.05), platelets (r = 0.32, p < 0.05), and 3 months mortality [OR (95%CI); 4.5 (1.2–17.1), p = 0.029]. Finally, plasma levels of TAFI correlated with circulating and thrombus platelets, while plasma MMP-10 was associated with cardiovascular risk factors and functional dependence at 3 months.

Conclusions: The present study suggests that the composition and distribution of thrombus hemostatic components might have clinical impact by influencing the response to pharmacological and mechanical therapies as well as guiding the development of new therapeutic strategies.
Daytime Exposure to Short Wavelength-Enriched Light Improves Cognitive Performance in Sleep-Restricted College-Aged Adults
Authors: Grant Leilah K. , Kent Brianne A. , Mayer Matthew D. , Stickgold Robert , Lockley Steven W. , Rahman Shadab A.
Published: February 2021

We tested the effect of daytime indoor light exposure with varying melanopic strength on cognitive performance in college-aged students who maintained an enforced nightly sleep opportunity of 7 h (i.e., nightly sleep duration no longer than 7 h) for 1 week immediately preceding the day of light exposure. Participants (n = 39; mean age ± SD = 24.5 ± 3.2 years; 21 F) were randomized to an 8 h daytime exposure to one of four white light conditions of equal photopic illuminance (~50 lux at eye level in the vertical plane) but different melanopic illuminance [24–45 melanopic-EDI lux (melEDI)] generated by varying correlated color temperatures [3000K (low-melEDI) or 5000K (high-melEDI)] and spectra [conventional or daylight-like]. Accuracy on a 2-min addition task was 5% better in the daylight-like high-melEDI condition (highest melEDI) compared to the conventional low-melEDI condition (lowest melEDI; p < 0.01). Performance speed on the motor sequence learning task was 3.2 times faster (p < 0.05) during the daylight-like high-melEDI condition compared to the conventional low-melEDI. Subjective sleepiness was 1.5 times lower in the conventional high-melEDI condition compared to the conventional low-melEDI condition, but levels were similar between conventional low- and daylight-like high-melEDI conditions. These results demonstrate that exposure to high-melanopic (short wavelength-enriched) white light improves processing speed, working memory, and procedural learning on a motor sequence task in modestly sleep restricted young adults, and have important implications for optimizing lighting conditions in schools, colleges, and other built environments.
Prolonged Exposure to Social Stress Impairs Homeostatic Sleep Regulation
Authors: Radwan Basma , Yanez Touzet Alvaro , Hammami Soaad , Chaudhury Dipesh
Published: February 2021

Stress and sleep are tightly regulated as a result of the substantial overlap in neurotransmitter signaling and regulatory pathways between the neural centers that modulate mood and sleep-wake cycle. The chronicity of the stressor and variability in coping with it are major determinants of the psychiatric outcomes and subsequent effect on sleep. The regulation of sleep is mediated by the interaction of a homeostatic and a circadian process according to the two-process model. Chronic stress induces stress-related disorders which are associated with deficient sleep homeostasis. However, little is known about how chronic stress affects sleep homeostasis and whether the differences in adaptation to stress distinctively influence sleep. Therefore, we assessed sleep homeostasis in C57BL6/J mice following exposure to 15-d of chronic social defeat stress. We implemented wake:sleep ratio as a behavioral correlate of sleep pressure. Both stress-resilient and stress-susceptible mice displayed deficient sleep homeostasis in post-stress baseline sleep. This was due to poor temporal correlation between frontal slow wave activity (SWA) power and sleep pressure in the dark/active phase. Moreover, the buildup rate of sleep pressure in the dark was lower in susceptible mice in comparison to stress-naïve mice. Additionally, 4-h SD in the dark caused a deficient sleep recovery response in susceptible mice characterized by non-rapid eye movement (NREM) sleep loss. Our findings provide evidence of deficient homeostatic sleep process (S) in baseline sleep in stress-exposed mice, while impaired sleep recovery following a mild enforced wakefulness experienced during the dark was only detected in stress-susceptible mice. This alludes to the differential homeostatic adaptation to stress between susceptible and resilient mice and its effect on sleep regulation.
MLK3 Is Associated With Poor Prognosis in Patients With Glioblastomas and Actin Cytoskeleton Remodeling in Glioblastoma Cells
Authors: Zhu Yan , Sun Jin-Min , Sun Zi-Chen , Chen Feng-Jiao , Wu Yong-Ping , Hou Xiao-Yu
Published: February 2021

Mixed lineage kinase 3 (MLK3) has been implicated in human melanoma and breast cancers. However, the clinical significance of MLK3 in human gliomas and the underlying cellular and molecular mechanisms remain unclear. We found that MLK3 proteins were highly expressed in high-grade human glioma specimens and especially prevalent in primary and recurrent glioblastoma multiforme (GBM). High levels of MLK3 mRNA were correlated with poor prognosis in patients with isocitrate dehydrogenase (IDH)-wild-type (wt) gliomas. Furthermore, genetic ablation of MLK3 significantly suppressed the migration and invasion abilities of GBM cells and disrupted actin cytoskeleton organization. Importantly, MLK3 directly bound to epidermal growth factor receptor kinase substrate 8 (EPS8) and regulated the cellular location of EPS8, which is essential for actin cytoskeleton rearrangement. Overall, these findings provide evidence that MLK3 upregulation predicts progression and poor prognosis in human IDH-wt gliomas and suggest that MLK3 promotes the migration and invasion of GBM cells by remodeling the actin cytoskeleton via MLK3-EPS8 signaling.
The Definition and Delineation of the Target Area of Radiotherapy Based on the Recurrence Pattern of Glioblastoma After Temozolomide Chemoradiotherapy
Authors: Zheng Lin , Zhou Zhi-Rui , Yu QianQian , Shi Minghan , Yang Yang , Zhou Xiaofeng , Li Chao , Wei Qichun
Published: February 2021

Radiotherapy is an important treatment for glioblastoma (GBM), but there is no consensus on the target delineation for GBM radiotherapy. The Radiation Therapy Oncology Group (RTOG) and European Organisation for Research and Treatment of Cancer (EORTC) each have their own rules. Our center adopted a target volume delineation plan based on our previous studies. This study focuses on the recurrence pattern of GBM patients whose target delineations did not intentionally include the T2/fluid-attenuated inversion recovery (FLAIR) hyperintensity area outside of the gross tumor volume (GTV). We prospectively collected 162 GBM cases and retrospectively analysed the clinical data and continuous dynamic magnetic resonance images (MRI) of 55 patients with recurrent GBM. All patients received concurrent radiotherapy and chemotherapy with temozolomide (TMZ). The GTV that we defined includes the postoperative T1-weighted MRI enhancement area and resection cavity. Clinical target volume 1 (CTV1) and CTV2 were defined as GTVs with 1 and 2 cm margins, respectively. Planning target volume 1 (PTV1) and PTV2 were defined as CTV1 and CTV2 plus a 3 mm margin with prescribed doses of 60 and 54 Gy, respectively. The first recurrent contrast-enhanced T1-weighted MRI was introduced into the Varian Eclipse radiotherapy planning system and fused with the original planning computed tomography (CT) images to determine the recurrence pattern. The median follow-up time was 15.8 months. The median overall survival (OS) and progression-free survival (PFS) were 17.7 and 7.0 months, respectively. Among the patients, 44 had central recurrences, two had in-field recurrences, one had marginal recurrence occurred, 11 had distant recurrences, and three had subependymal recurrences. Five patients had multiple recurrence patterns. Compared to the EORTC protocol, target delineation that excludes the adjacent T2/FLAIR hyperintensity area reduces the brain volume exposed to high-dose radiation (P = 0.000) without an increased risk of marginal recurrence. Therefore, it is worthwhile to conduct a clinical trial investigating the feasibility of intentionally not including the T2/FLAIR hyperintensity region outside of the GTV.
Rhabdoid Tumor Predisposition Syndrome: From Clinical Suspicion to General Management
Authors: Del Baldo Giada , Carta Roberto , Alessi Iside , Merli Pietro , Agolini Emanuele , Rinelli Martina , Boccuto Luigi , Milano Giuseppe Maria , Serra Annalisa , Carai Andrea , Locatelli Franco , Mastronuzzi Angela
Published: February 2021

Rhabdoid tumors are rare aggressive malignancies in infants and young children with a poor prognosis. The most common anatomic localizations are the central nervous system, the kidneys, and other soft tissues. Rhabdoid tumors share germline and somatic mutations in SMARCB1 or, more rarely, SMARCA4, members of the SWI/SNF chromatin-remodeling complex. Rhabdoid tumor predisposition syndrome (RTPS) is a condition characterized by a high risk of developing rhabdoid tumors, among other features. RTPS1 is characterized by pathogenic variants in the SMARCB1 gene, while RTPS2 has variants in SMARCA4. Interestingly, germline variants of SMARCB1 and SMARCA4 have been identified also in patients with Coffin-Siris syndrome. Children with RTPS typically present with tumors before 1 year of age and in a high percentage of cases develop synchronous or multifocal tumors with aggressive clinical features. The diagnosis of RTPS should be considered in patients with rhabdoid tumors, especially if they have multiple primary tumors and/or in individuals with a family history. Because germline mutations result in an increased risk of carriers developing rhabdoid tumors, genetic counseling, and surveillance for all family members with this condition is recommended.
Loosening Neuro-Optic Structures Dosimetric Constraints Provides High 5-Year Local Recurrence-Free Survival With Acceptable Toxicity in T4 Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Patients Treated With Intensity-Modulated Radiotherapy
Authors: Zhang Tingting , Xu Meng , Mi Jinglin , Yang Hui , Liu Zhengchun , Huang Lulu , Hu Kai , Wang Rensheng
Published: February 2021

Objective

Whether the original dosimetric constraints of neuro-optic structures (NOS) are appropriate for patients with nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) undergoing intensity-modulated radiotherapy (IMRT) remains controversial. The present study compared the survival rates and radiation-induced optic neuropathy (RION) occurrence between T4 NPC patients whose NOS were irradiated with a near maximum dose received by 2% of the volume (D2%) >55 Gy and ≤55 Gy. Moreover, the NOS dosimetric parameters and their correlation with RION occurrence were also evaluated.

Methods

In this retrospective study, 256 T4 NPC patients treated with IMRT between May 2009 and December 2013 were included. Patient characteristics, survival rates, dosimetric parameters, and RION incidence were compared between the D2% ≤55 Gy and D2% >55 Gy groups.

Results

The median follow-up durations were 87 and 83 months for patients in the D2% >55 Gy and D2% ≤55 Gy groups, respectively. The 5-year local recurrence-free survival rates were 92.0 and 84.0% in the D2% >55 Gy and D2% ≤55 Gy groups (P = 0.043), respectively. There was no significant difference in the 5-year overall survival (OS) between both groups (D2% >55 Gy, 81.6%; D2% ≤55 Gy, 79.4%; P = 0.586). No patients developed severe RION (Grades 3–5), and there was no significant difference (P = 0.958) in the incidence of RION between the two groups. The maximum dose of NOS significantly affected the RION incidence, with a cutoff point of 70.77 Gy.

Conclusion

Appropriately loosening NOS dosimetric constraints in order to ensure a more sufficient dose to the target volume can provide a better 5-year local recurrence-free survival and acceptable neuro-optic toxicity in T4 NPC patients undergoing IMRT.
CCR4, CCR8, and P2RY14 as Prognostic Factors in Head and Neck Squamous Cell Carcinoma Are Involved in the Remodeling of the Tumor Microenvironment
Authors: Meng Liangliang , He Xiaoxi , Hong Quan , Qiao Bo , Zhang Xiao , Wu Bin , Zhang Xiaobo , Wei Yingtian , Li Jing , Ye Zhaoxiang , Xiao Yueyong
Published: February 2021

The tumor microenvironment (TME) plays a critical role in the initiation and progression of cancer. However, the specific mechanism of its regulation in head and neck squamous cell carcinoma (HNSCC) remains unclear. In this study, we first applied the ESTIMATE method to calculate the immune and stromal scores in patients’ tumor tissues from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. GSE41613, GSE30784, and GSE37991 data sets from the Gene Expression Omnibus (GEO) database were recruited for further validation. Differentially expressed genes (DEGs) were identified and then analyzed by Cox regression analysis and protein-protein interaction (PPI) network construction. DEGs significantly associated with prognosis and TME will be identified as hub genes. These genes were also validated at the protein level by immunohistochemical analysis of 10 pairs of primary tumor tissues and the adjacent normal tissues from our institution. The relationship between hub genes expression and immune cell fraction estimated by CIBERSORT software was also examined. 275 DEGs were significantly associated with TME. CCR4, CCR8, and P2RY14 have then identified as hub genes by intersection Cox and PPI analysis. Further investigation revealed that the expression of CCR4, CCR8, and P2RY14 was negatively correlated with clinicopathological characteristics (clinical stage, T stage) and positively associated with survival in HNSCC patients, especially in male patients. The expression of CCR8 and P2RY14 was lower in males than in females. CCR8 and P2RY14 were differentially expressed in tumor tissues than normal tissues, and the results were validated at the protein level by immunohistochemistry experiments. Gene set enrichment analysis (GSEA) showed that the high expression groups’ hub genes were mainly enriched for immune-related activities. In the low-expression groups, genes were primarily enriched in metabolic pathways. CIBERSORT results showed that the expression of these genes was all negatively correlated with the fraction of memory B cells and positively correlated with the fraction of the other four cells, including naive B cells, resting T cells CD4 memory, T cells follicular helper, and T cells regulatory (Tregs). The results suggest that CCR4, CCR8, and P2RY14 may be responsible for maintaining the immune dominance of TME, thus leading to a better prognosis.
Pediatric Malignant Arrhythmias Caused by Rare Homozygous Genetic Variants in TRDN: A Comprehensive Interpretation
Authors: Sarquella-Brugada Georgia , Fernandez-Falgueras Anna , Cesar Sergi , Arbelo Elena , Jordà Paloma , García-Álvarez Ana , Cruzalegui Jose Carlos , Merchan Erika Fernanda , Fiol Victoria , Brugada Josep , Brugada Ramon , Campuzano Oscar
Published: February 2021

Aim: To perform a comprehensive phenotype-genotype correlation of all rare variants in Triadin leading to malignant arrhythmias in pediatrics.

Methods: Triadin knockout syndrome is a rare entity reported in pediatric population. This syndrome is caused by rare variants in the TRDN gene. Malignant ventricular arrhythmias and sudden cardiac death can be a primary manifestation of disease. Although pharmacological measures are effective, some patients require an implantable defibrillator due to high risk of arrhythmogenic episodes.

Main Results: Fourteen rare genetic alterations in TRDN have been reported to date. All of these potentially pathogenic alterations are located in a specific area of TRDN, highlighting this hot spot as an arrhythmogenic gene region.

Conclusions: Early recognition and comprehensive interpretation of alterations in Triadin are crucial to adopt preventive measures and avoid malignant arrhythmogenic episodes in pediatric population.
Methylprednisolone Treatment in Brain Death-Induced Lung Inflammation–A Dose Comparative Study in Rats
Authors: Van Zanden Judith E. , ’T Hart Nils A. , Ottens Petra J. , Liu Bo , Rebolledo Rolando A. , Erasmus Michiel E. , Leuvenink Henri G. D.
Published: February 2021

Background:The process of brain death (BD) leads to a pro-inflammatory state of the donor lung, which deteriorates its quality. In an attempt to preserve lung quality, methylprednisolone is widely recommended in donor lung management. However, clinical treatment doses vary and the dose-effect relation of methylprednisolone on BD-induced lung inflammation remains unknown. The aim of this study was to investigate the effect of three different doses methylprednisolone on the BD-induced inflammatory response.

Methods:BD was induced in rats by inflation of a Fogarty balloon catheter in the epidural space. After 60 min of BD, saline or methylprednisolone (low dose (5 mg/kg), intermediate dose (12.5 mg/kg) or high dose (22.5 mg/kg)) was administered intravenously. The lungs were procured and processed after 4 h of BD. Inflammatory gene expressions were analyzed by RT-qPCR and influx of neutrophils and macrophages were quantified with immunohistochemical staining.

Results:Methylprednisolone treatment reduced neutrophil chemotaxis as demonstrated by lower IL-8-like CINC-1 and E-selectin levels, which was most evident in rats treated with intermediate and high doses methylprednisolone. Macrophage chemotaxis was attenuated in all methylprednisolone treated rats, as corroborated by lower MCP-1 levels compared to saline treated rats. Thereby, all doses methylprednisolone reduced TNF-α, IL-6 and IL-1β tissue levels. In addition, intermediate and high doses methylprednisolone induced a protective anti-inflammatory response, as reflected by upregulated IL-10 expression when compared to saline treated brain-dead rats.

Conclusion:We showed that intermediate and high doses methylprednisolone share most potential to target BD-induced lung inflammation in rats. Considering possible side effects of high doses methylprednisolone, we conclude from this study that an intermediate dose of 12.5 mg/kg methylprednisolone is the optimal treatment dose for BD-induced lung inflammation in rats, which reduces the pro-inflammatory state and additionally promotes a protective, anti-inflammatory response.
Dimethyl Fumarate Induces Metabolic Crisie to Suppress Pancreatic Carcinoma
Authors: Chen Kaiyuan , Wu Shanshan , Ye Sisi , Huang Huimin , Zhou Yi , Zhou Hongfei , Wu Shijia , Mao Yefan , Shangguan Fugen , Lan Linhua , Chen Bicheng
Published: February 2021

Dimethyl fumarate (DMF) is an approved drug used in the treatment of multiple sclerosis (MS) and psoriasis therapy. Multiple studies have demonstrated other pharmacological activities of DMF such as an anti-cancer agent. In particular, studies have shown that DMF can modulate the NRF2/HO1/NQO1 antioxidant signal pathway and inactivate NF-κB to suppress the growth of colon and breast cancer cells, and induce cell death. In this study, we aimed to evaluate the anti-tumor activities of DMF in pancreatic cancer (PC) focusing on cell death as the predominant mechanism of response. We showed that both mitochondrial respiration and aerobic glycolysis were severely depressed following treatment with DMF and the effects could be abrogated by treatment with L-cysteine and N-acetyl-L-cysteine (NAC). Importantly, we verified that DMF induced metabolic crisis and that cell death was not related to alterations in ROS. Our data implied that MTHFD1 could be a potential downstream target of DMF identified by molecular docking analysis. Finally, we confirmed that MTHFD1 is up-regulated in PC and overexpression of MTHFD1 was negatively related to outcomes of PC patients. Our data indicate that DMF induces metabolic crisie to suppress cell growth and could be a potential novel therapy in the treatment of PC.
Development of Dynamic Model and Analytical Analysis for the Diffusion of Different Species in Non-Newtonian Nanofluid Swirling Flow
Authors: Usman Auwalu Hamisu , Khan Noor Saeed , Humphries Usa Wannasingha , Shah Zahir , Kumam Poom , Khan Waris , Khan Amir , Rano Sadiya Ali , Ullah Zafar
Published: February 2021

The analysis is carried out to analyze the flow through double stretchable rotating disks with the theory of radiative Cross nanofluid under the influence of variable thermal conductivity, the Hall current, Arrhenius activation energy, and binary chemical reactions. The Buongiorno nanofluid model is adopted for the governing equations of the problem which are transformed into ordinary differential equations through similarity transformations and then solved using the homotopy analysis method. The impact of dimensionless parameters on all profiles and physical quantities is presented and discussed. The radial velocity of the two disks increases with their corresponding ratio stretching rate parameter and decreases with the Hall parameter and the bioconvection Rayleigh number. The heat transfer at the lower disk enhances with the variable thermal conductivity parameter, while at the upper disk, opposite trend is observed. Mass transfer increases with the chemical reactions and temperature difference parameters at the lower disk and decreases with Arrhenius activation energy, whereas an opposite trend is observed at the upper disk. The local density number is enhanced for the larger values of Peclet and Lewis numbers. The comparison of the present work with the published literature authenticates the validation of the present work.
Attentional Bias, Alcohol Craving, and Anxiety Implications of the Virtual Reality Cue-Exposure Therapy in Severe Alcohol Use Disorder: A Case Report
Authors: Ghiţă Alexandra , Hernández-Serrano Olga , Fernández-Ruiz Jolanda , Moreno Manuel , Monras Miquel , Ortega Lluisa , Mondon Silvia , Teixidor Lidia , Gual Antoni , Gacto-Sanchez Mariano , Porras-García Bruno , Ferrer-García Marta , Gutiérrez-Maldonado José
Published: February 2021

Aims: Attentional bias (AB), alcohol craving, and anxiety have important implications in the development and maintenance of alcohol use disorder (AUD). The current study aims to test the effectiveness of a Virtual Reality Cue-Exposure Therapy (VR-CET) to reduce levels of alcohol craving and anxiety and prompt changes in AB toward alcohol content.

Method: A 49-year-old male participated in this study, diagnosed with severe AUD, who also used tobacco and illicit substances on an occasional basis and who made several failed attempts to cease substance misuse. The protocol consisted of six VR-CET booster sessions and two assessment sessions (pre- and post-VR-CET) over the course of 5 weeks. The VR-CET program consisted of booster therapy sessions based on virtual reality (VR) exposure to preferred alcohol-related cues and contexts. The initial and final assessment sessions were focused on exploring AB, alcohol craving, and anxiety using paper-and-pencil instruments and the eye-tracking (ET) and VR technologies at different time points.

Results: Pre and post assessment sessions indicated falls on the scores of all instruments assessing alcohol craving, anxiety, and AB.

Conclusions: This case report, part of a larger project, demonstrates the effectiveness of the VR-CET booster sessions in AUD. In the post-treatment measurements, a variety of instruments showed a change in the AB pattern and an improvement in craving and anxiety responses. As a result of the systematic desensitization, virtual exposure gradually reduced the responses to significant alcohol-related cues and contexts. The implications for AB, anxiety and craving are discussed.
Effect of Homebuyer Comment on Green Housing Purchase Intention—Mediation Role of Psychological Distance
Authors: Feng Qun , Wang Yan , Chen Chuanhao , Dong Zhengnan , Shi Xuejun
Published: February 2021

Green housing is a new type of building that advocates energy saving and environmental protection. How to stimulate buyers to buy green housing under the background of high cost is the key problem to guide green consumption. First of all, based on the existing literature, the comment of homebuyers was divided into comment quantity, comment quality, comment titer and evaluator credibility. The psychological distance mediation variable was introduced, and three dimensions of time distance, social distance, and space distance were selected to construct the influence model of homebuyer comment on green housing purchase intention. Meanwhile, the concept model was built, and questionnaires were adopted for empirical analysis. On this basis, considering the long-term purchase behavior of buyers, the influence model of homebuyers' second comment on green housing purchase intention with the Hotelling model was established. The results show that comment quality, comment titer, and the credit rating of the evaluator have a positive effect on green housing purchase intention while comment quantity has no significant effect. Psychological distance plays a mediation role between comment quality, comment titer, the credit rating of the evaluator, and green housing purchase intention while having a mediation effect between comment quantity and green housing purchase intention. In the long-term purchase behavior of green housing, psychological distance plays a greater role than price. At last, some suggestions were proposed.
Setting an International Research Agenda for Fear of Cancer Recurrence: An Online Delphi Consensus Study
Authors: Shaw Joanne , Kamphuis Helen , Sharpe Louise , Lebel Sophie , Smith Allan Ben , Hulbert-Williams Nicholas , Dhillon Haryana Mary , Butow Phyllis
Published: February 2021

Background

Fear of cancer recurrence (FCR) is common amongst cancer survivors. There is rapidly growing research interest in FCR but a need to prioritize research to address the most pressing clinical issues and reduce duplication and fragmentation of effort. This study aimed to establish international consensus among clinical and academic FCR experts regarding priorities for FCR research.

Methods

Members of the International Psycho-oncology Society (IPOS) Fear of Cancer Recurrence Special Interest Group (FORwards) were invited to participate in an online Delphi study. Research domains identified in Round 1 were presented and discussed at a focus group (Round 2) to consolidate the domains and items prior to presentation in further survey rounds (Round 3) aimed at gaining consensus on research priorities of international significance.

Results

Thirty four research items were identified in Round 1 and 33 of the items were consolidated into six overarching themes through a focus group discussion with FCR experts. The 33 research items were presented in subsequent rounds of the delphi technique. Twenty one participants contributed to delphi round 1, 16 in round 2, and 25 and 29 participants for subsequent delphi rounds. Consensus was reached for 27 items in round 3.1. A further four research items were identified by panelists and included in round 3.2. After round 3.2, 35 individual research items were ratified by the panelists. Given the high levels of consensus and stability between rounds, no further rounds were conducted. Overall intervention research was considered the most important focus for FCR research. Panelists identified models of care that facilitate greater access to FCR treatment and evaluation of the effectiveness of FCR interventions in real world settings as the two research items of highest priority. Defining the mechanisms of action and active components across FCR/P interventions was the third highest priority identified.

Conclusion

The findings of this study outline a research agenda for international FCR research. Intervention research to identify models of care that increase access to treatment are based on a flexible approach based on symptom severity and can be delivered within routine clinical care were identified as research areas to prioritize. Greater understanding of the active components and mechanisms of action of existing FCR interventions will facilitate increased tailoring of interventions to meet patient need.
Being the Facilitator: A Brief Research Report on the Motivation of the Choreographer and Dance Maker to Work With Heterogeneous Groups in a Community Dance Setting
Authors: Bilitza Mia Sophia
Published: February 2021

In inclusive dance settings, where people with different abilities and talents come together, the role of facilitators is essential in guiding the process of inclusion. Their behavior gives sensitive information to the individual about one’s status within the own-group affiliation (De Cremer, 2002, p. 1336). Even today, very little research on the motivation for facilitating inclusivity in dance contexts exists. This case study will examine the facilitator’s motivation by juxtaposing current theory next to experiences of seven experts of contemporary dance facilitation in Europe. Good opportunities for meaningful interactions can be created in a dance setting: it promotes a deeper sense of community, gives us the feeling of belonging, generates respect and inclusion, and helps to prevent the feeling of loneliness (Elin and Boswell, 2004; Kaufmann, 2006; Whatley, 2007). This research report sheds light on the motivation of being the facilitator of dance for heterogeneous groups and reveals three factors from the data. First, to be led by an artistic motivation, second, to have a vision in terms of changing the society, and third, to have another personal motivation. The motivation of the facilitator is regarded as highly important for inclusive work, as the person who facilitates plays a key role in these successful processes of inclusion (Miesera et al., 2019).
Secondary Education in COVID Lockdown: More Anxious and Less Creative—Maybe Not?
Authors: Patston Timothy J. , Kennedy JohnPaul , Jaeschke Wayne , Kapoor Hansika , Leonard Simon N. , Cropley David H. , Kaufman James C.
Published: February 2021

Secondary education around the world has been significantly disrupted by covid-19. Students have been forced into new ways of independent learning, often using remote technologies, but without the social nuances and direct teacher interactions of a normal classroom environment. Using data from the School Attitudes Survey—which surveys students regarding the perceived level of difficulty, anxiety level, self-efficacy, enjoyability, subject relevance, and opportunities for creativity with regards to each of their school subjects—this study examines students' responses to this disruption from two very different schools with two very different experiences of the pandemic. This paper reports on the composite attitudinal profiles of students in the senior secondary levels at each school (Years 10–12, n = 834). The findings challenged our expectation that the increased difficulty and anxiety caused by the disruption would reduce perceived opportunities for creativity. Indeed, our analyses showed that the students at both schools demonstrated generally positive attitudes toward their learning and strongly associated opportunities for creativity with other attitudinal constructs including enjoyability, subject relevance, and self-efficacy. These complex associations made by the students appear to have buffered the impacts of the disruption, and they may even have supported creative resilience.
Learning Burnout: Evaluating the Role of Social Support in Medical Students
Authors: Zhang Jia-Yu , Shu Tao , Xiang Ming , Feng Zhan-Chun
Published: February 2021

Background: Burnout is a stress-induced syndrome considered to be closely related to work. Although social support could relief burnout syndrome, its effect on learning burnout in medical students remains unclear. The objectives of the study are to evaluate the association between learning burnout and social support in Chinese medical students.

Methods: A cross-sectional online survey was distributed to students who participated in online learning in a medical college in Wuhan during the COVID-19 epidemic. We used the Lian version of the Maslach Burnout Inventory (MBI) to assess learning burnout and the Social Support Rating Scale (SSRS) to assess social support. Chi-square tests were used to analyze factors associated with burnout. Independent t-test and multiple logistic regression were explored to analyze the relationship between social support and burnout.

Results: A total of 684 students have completed the survey (response rate: 30.9%), of which 315 (46.12%) met standard criteria for learning burnout. Multiple logistic regression analysis has revealed that seniors, low family income and low social support were significant predictors of learning burnout (χ2 = 41.983, p < 0.001). After adjusting for the grade and family income, there was a significant and relevant association between social support and learning burnout (OR = 0.937; 95% CI: 0.905–0.970; p < 0.001).

Conclusions: Learning burnout was highly prevalent in medical students at our college. Senior students and low family income might be risk factors for learning burnout. Social support, especially subjective support and utilization of support might play a protective role in reducing the risk of learning burnout.
The Science-Based Pathways to Understanding False Confessions and Wrongful Convictions
Authors: Gudjonsson Gisli H.
Published: February 2021

This review shows that there is now a solid scientific evidence base for the “expert” evaluation of disputed confession cases in judicial proceedings. Real-life cases have driven the science by stimulating research into “coercive” police questioning techniques, psychological vulnerabilities to false confession, and the development and validation of psychometric tests of interrogative suggestibility and compliance. Mandatory electronic recording of police interviews has helped with identifying the situational and personal “risk factors” involved in false confessions and how these interact. It is the combination of a detailed evaluation and analysis of real-life cases, experimental work, and community (and prison/police station) studies that have greatly advanced the science over the past 40 years. In this review, the story of the development of the science during this “golden era” is told through the three established error pathways to false confessions and wrongful convictions: misclassification, coercion, and contamination. A case study of a major miscarriage of justice is used to highlight the key issues at each stage of the error pathways and it shows the continued resistance of the judiciary to admit mistakes and learn from them. Science is a powerful platform from which to educate the police and the judiciary.
A Brief Online and Offline (Paper-and-Pencil) Screening Tool for Generalized Anxiety Disorder: The Final Phase in the Development and Validation of the Mental Health Screening Tool for Anxiety Disorders (MHS: A)
Authors: Kim Shin-Hyang , Park Kiho , Yoon Seowon , Choi Younyoung , Lee Seung-Hwan , Choi Kee-Hong
Published: February 2021

Generalized anxiety disorder (GAD) can cause significant socioeconomic burden and daily life dysfunction; hence, therapeutic intervention through early detection is important. This study was the final stage of a 3-year anxiety screening tool development project that evaluated the psychometric properties and diagnostic screening utility of the Mental Health Screening Tool for Anxiety Disorders (MHS: A), which measures GAD. A total of 527 Koreans completed online and offline (i.e., paper-and pencil) versions of the MHS: A, Beck Anxiety Inventory (BAI), Generalized Anxiety Disorder-7 (GAD-7), and Penn State Worry Questionnaire (PSWQ). The participants had an average age of 38.6 years and included 340 (64.5%) females. Participants were also administered the Mini-International Neuropsychiatric Interview (MINI). Internal consistency, convergent/criterion validity, item characteristics, and test information were assessed based on the item response theory (IRT), and a factor analysis and cut-off score analyses were conducted. The MHS: A had good internal consistency and good convergent validity with other anxiety scales. The two versions (online/offline) of the MHS: A were nearly identical (r = 0.908). It had a one-factor structure and showed better diagnostic accuracy (online/offline: sensitivity = 0.98/0.90, specificity = 0.80/0.83) for GAD detection than the GAD-7 and BAI. The IRT analysis indicated that the MHS: A was most informative as a screening tool for GAD. The MHS: A can serve as a clinically useful screening tool for GAD in Korea. Furthermore, it can be administered both online and offline and can be flexibly used as a brief mental health screener, especially with the current rise in telehealth.
The Relationship Between Fears of Cancer Recurrence and Patient Gender: A Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Pang Chuan , Humphris Gerry
Published: February 2021

Background: A significant concern for patients treated for cancer is fear of cancer recurrence (FCR). Although a common experience, some patients report high levels of FCR that are difficult to manage and result in over vigilant checking and high use of health services. There has been speculation about the relationship of FCR with gender with mixed reports from several systematic reviews.

Aims: To determine the association of FCR with gender in previous reported studies and investigate the strength of this relationship with various moderators including year of publication, type of cancer and measurement attributes of self-reported FCR instruments.

Methods: A systematic review was conducted with searches of the literature from the MEDLINE, PubMed, Embase, and PsycINFO databases following PRISMA guidelines. All the included papers were divided into two groups, namely: “pure” that comprise only of patients with cancer types that both men and women can contract and “mixed” that report on patients with a variety of cancer types. The association between gender and FCR level was assessed by meta-analysis. A meta-regression was performed to investigate the moderating effects of factors including: the year of publication, cancer type, mean age of the sample and the length of the FCR scale measurement. This review was registered with PROSPERO, ID: CRD42020184812.

Results: Finally, 29 studies were included. The N size of pooled participants was 33,339. The meta-analysis showed females to have an overall higher level of FCR than males (ES = 0.30; 95% CI, 0.23, 0.36). The meta-regression of moderating or control variables found little, if any, systematic variation in effect-sizes.

Conclusion: This systematic review has clarified a potentially confused pattern of previous results in understanding the relationship between gender and FCR. Women report higher levels of FCR than men and this feature is one that clinicians and researchers can factor into their practice and future studies. The effect size is moderate, hence there is ample variation in FCR level, independent of gender, that requires further investigation.
Drug Checking as Strategy for Harm Reduction in Recreational Contests: Evaluation of Two Different Drug Analysis Methodologies
Authors: Fregonese Martina , Albino Andrea , Covino Claudia , Gili Alessio , Bacci Mauro , Nicoletti Alessia , Gambelunghe Cristiana
Published: February 2021

Introduction: Drug checking as a part of drug harm-reduction strategies represents an essential aspect of public health policies. It focuses on rapid identification of drugs that individuals intend to use during night events, in order to implement health-protective behaviors. Chemical drug analysis techniques vary considerably, from simple colorimetric reagents to advanced forensic methods such as gas chromatography/mass spectrometry (GC/MS).

Materials and Methods: In 2019, drug-check services were offered at some night events in Umbria (Central Italy). One hundred and twenty attendees directly delivered unidentified substances to a harm-reduction worker, who collected a few milligrams of the substances on ceramic plates and added a drop of colorimetric reagent. Multiple reagents were used to increase the diagnostic capacity of a substance, which may react with a specific drug or a few drugs. Later, a fraction of the samples was analyzed by GC/MS. The concordance of the results obtained using these two methodologies and the intended behaviors of consumers after being informed of the test result was evaluated.

Results: We analyzed 120 samples by colorimetric test: 32 MDMA, 25 ketamine, 10 amphetamine, 11 cocaine, 8 heroin, and 4 LSD samples. The results were inconclusive for 29 samples. The GS/MS analysis confirmed MDMA in 84%, ketamine in 78%, amphetamine in 91%, cocaine in 92%, heroin in 88%, and LSD in 100% of the samples. The results of samples with inconclusive results were as follows: 2, MDMA; 7, ketamine; 2, amphetamine; 2, cocaine; 2, heroin; 2, mephedrone; 6, mixes; 1, debris; and 5, adulterants as the main component. Twenty-one of 29 participants reported that they had no intention of consuming the unidentified substance.

Discussion: The high percentage of individuals who claimed no intention of consuming the unidentified drugs indicates that drug checking is viable as a part of drug harm-reduction strategies. Overall, colorimetric reagents showed a good performance with regard to samples being unadulterated (LSD) or minimal in quantity, but failed to identify mixtures of substances and the adulterants present in them. Therefore, the use of more discriminatory on-site methods such as Raman or infrared spectrometry is strongly recommended.
Treatment of Agitation With Lorazepam in Clinical Practice: A Systematic Review
Authors: Amore Mario , D'Andrea Mariella , Fagiolini Andrea
Published: February 2021

Acute agitation is a frequent occurrence in both inpatient and outpatient psychiatric settings, and the use of medication to calm a patient may be warranted to mitigate the situation. Lorazepam is a benzodiazepine that is widely used for management of acute agitation. Despite its widespread use, there is remarkably little clinical evidence for the benefits of lorazepam in acute agitation. We performed a systematic review with focus on lorazepam, including all randomized clinical trials on lorazepam in mental and behavioral disorders, excluding studies on dementia and pediatric patients and in mixed conditions. A total of 11 studies met inclusion criteria, and all were in patients with mental and behavioral disorders. Most trials generally found improvements across a variety of outcomes related to agitation, although there was some disparity if specific outcomes were considered. In the five studies with haloperidol, the combination of lorazepam and haloperidol was superior to either agent alone, but with no differences between monotherapy with the individual agents. In the study comparing lorazepam to olanzapine, olanzapine was superior to lorazepam, and both were superior to placebo. As expected, the safety of lorazepam among the different studies was consistent with its well-characterized profile with dizziness, sedation, and somnolence being the most common adverse events. Based on this structured review, lorazepam can be considered to be a clinically effective means of treating the acutely agitated patient.
Sickness and the Social Brain: Love in the Time of COVID
Authors: Smith Caroline J. , Bilbo Staci D.
Published: February 2021

As a highly social species, inclusion in social networks and the presence of strong social bonds are critical to our health and well-being. Indeed, impaired social functioning is a component of numerous neuropsychiatric disorders including depression, anxiety, and substance use disorder. During the current COVID-19 pandemic, our social networks are at risk of fracture and many are vulnerable to the negative consequences of social isolation. Importantly, infection itself leads to changes in social behavior as a component of “sickness behavior.” Furthermore, as in the case of COVID-19, males and females often differ in their immunological response to infection, and, therefore, in their susceptibility to negative outcomes. In this review, we discuss the many ways in which infection changes social behavior—sometimes to the benefit of the host, and in some instances for the sake of the pathogen—in species ranging from eusocial insects to humans. We also explore the neuroimmune mechanisms by which these changes in social behavior occur. Finally, we touch upon the ways in which the social environment (group living, social isolation, etc.) shapes the immune system and its ability to respond to challenge. Throughout we emphasize how males and females differ in their response to immune activation, both behaviorally and physiologically.