bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Endovascular Management of Vertebrobasilar Trunk Artery Large Aneurysms: Complications and Long-Term Results
Authors: Wu Qiaowei , Xu Shancai , Wang Chunlei , Ji Zhiyong , Li Yuchen , Sun Bowen , Meng Yuxiao , Shi Huaizhang , Wu Pei
Published: February 2022

Objective

To analyze the complications and long-term results of endovascular management of vertebrobasilar trunk large (≥10 mm) aneurysms (VBTLAs) and identify predictors of outcomes.

Methods

Between 2014 and 2020, 6,987 patients with intracranial aneurysms were referred to our center for aneurysm management and 2,224 patients have undergone the endovascular procedures. We retrospectively reviewed the database and identify all the patients with VBTLAs.

Results

A total of 62 VBTLAs were identified. The median aneurysm size was 13.4 mm [interquartile range (IQR) 11.5–18.7]. Among them, 24 aneurysms were treated with overlapping stent techniques, 18 aneurysms were treated with flow diversion, 14 aneurysms were treated with single stent-assisted coiling, and 6 aneurysms were treated with coiling alone. Ten patients were treated with parent artery occlusion or unilateral vertebral artery occlusion. Periprocedural complications were occurred in 7 (11.3%) patients. Clinical follow-up was obtained at the median of 27.5 months (IQR 15.3–58.5). The overall complication rate was 16.1% (10/62), including nine ischemic events and one hemorrhagic event. The combined disability and neurological mortality rate was 12.9% (8/62), with 4 (6.5%) deaths. The favorable outcome rate at follow-up was 87.1% (54/62). The complication-free cumulative survival rates at 1 and 5 years were 86.8 and 82.0%, respectively. The overall cumulative survival rates at 1 and 5 year were 96.5 and 89.8%, respectively. In the multivariate Cox regression analysis, longer procedure time (>115 min) (P = 0.037) and ischemic onset (P = 0.005) predict complications. Angiography follow-up was available for 36 patients at the median of 6.0 months (IQR 6–12), with a complete occlusion rate of 77.8% (28/36). Two (5.6%) aneurysms were recanalized and subsequently received the retreatment. Subgroup analysis did not find any differences in the complete occlusion rate between endovascular strategies.

Conclusion

Endovascular management of VBTLAs has a reasonable safety profile with favorable 5-year cumulative survival rates and imaging outcomes at follow-up. Prolonged procedure and ischemic onset are associated with a high risk of overall complications.
Prognostic Analysis for Patients With Parathyroid Carcinoma: A Population-Based Study
Authors: Qian Bei , Qian Ying , Hu Longqing , Zhang Shoupeng , Mei Li , Qu Xincai
Published: February 2022

Background

Parathyroid carcinoma (PC) is a rare but often lethal malignancy for which staging system, prognostic indicators, and treatment guidelines are still not established. We aimed to explore the prognostic parameters and construct a nomogram for cancer-specific survival (CSS) of PC.

Methods

A retrospective analysis of 604 PC patients in the SEER database from 2001 through 2018 was performed. All the cases were randomly assigned to the training cohort (n = 424) or the validation cohort (n = 180) at a ratio of 7:3. The Kaplan–Meier method and Cox regression model were applied to estimate the CSS and risk factors, and a nomogram was constructed. The predictive accuracy and discriminative ability of the nomogram in CSS were assessed by concordance index (C-index), the area under the curve (AUC) of receiver operating characteristics (ROC), and the calibration curve.

Results

Age at diagnosis > 70 years [hazard ratio (HR): 3.55, 95% CI: 1.07–11.78, p = 0.039] and tumor size > 35 mm (HR 4.22, 95% CI: 1.67–10.68, p = 0.002) were associated with worse CSS. Compared with distant metastasis, localized (HR 0.17, 95% CI: 0.06–0.47, p = 0.001) and regional lesions (HR 0.22, 95% CI: 0.07–0.66, p = 0.007) showed an improved CSS rate. Parathyroidectomy was the recommended treatment (p = 0.02). The C-index of the nomogram was 0.826, and the AUC for 5-, 10-, and 15-year CSS was 83.7%, 79.7%, and 80.7%, respectively. The calibration curve presented good agreement between prediction by nomogram and actual observation.

Conclusion

Age at diagnosis > 70 years, tumor size > 35 mm, and distant metastasis were independent risk factors for PC-specific mortality. Parathyroidectomy was currently the most recommended treatment for PC. This nomogram provided individualized assessment and reliable prognostic prediction for patients with PC.
The Sexual Dimorphic Synapse: From Spine Density to Molecular Composition
Authors: Uhl Mara , Schmeisser Michael J. , Schumann Sven
Published: February 2022

A synaptic sexual dimorphism is relevant in the context of multiple neurodevelopmental, neurodegenerative, and neuropsychiatric disorders. Many of these disorders show a different prevalence and progression in woman and man. A similar variance is also present in corresponding animal models. To understand and characterize this dimorphism in pathologies it is important to first understand sex differences in unaffected individuals. Therefore, sexual differences have been studied since 1788, first focusing on brain weight, size, and volume. But as these measures are not directly related to brain function, the investigation of sexual dimorphism also expanded to other organizational levels of the brain. This review is focused on sexual dimorphism at the synaptic level, as these specialized structures are the smallest functional units of the brain, determining cell communication, connectivity, and plasticity. Multiple differences between males and females can be found on the levels of spine density, synaptic morphology, and molecular synapse composition. These differences support the importance of sex-disaggregated data. The specificity of changes to a particular brain region or circuit might support the idea of a mosaic brain, in which each tile individually lies on a continuum from masculinization to feminization. Moreover, synapses can be seen as the smallest tiles of the mosaic determining the classification of larger areas.
The Sex Features of Patients With Solid Pseudopapillary Neoplasms of the Pancreas: A Retrospective Study
Authors: Wei Guangmin , Luo Qiong , Fang Jiankai , Li Xiaolou , Shi Yanhong , Li Yuqiong , Sun Liqi
Published: February 2022

Background

Solid pseudopapillary neoplasms of the pancreas (SPNs) in male patients are more frequently reported. The aim of the study was to evaluate the sex features of SPN and the risk factors that predict tumor recurrence.

Methods

From 2013 to 2019, patients who were pathologically confirmed to have SPNs were retrospectively reviewed. The baseline study parameters were compared between males and females. A logistic regression model was established to identify the independent risk factors for tumor recurrence.

Results

In total, 221 patients were included in this study. Of them, 53 patients (24.0%) were males. Male patients were older than female patients (39.1 vs 31.6 years, P=0.001), and the tumor size in male patients was smaller than that in female patients (50.38 vs 39.65 mm, P=0.038). The preoperative imaging diagnostic accuracy was significantly higher in females than in males (70.5% vs 54%, P=0.02). SPNs in male patients tended to be misdiagnosed with other malignant tumors (37.7% vs 10.7%, P<0.0001), with a more solid component observed in images (66.8% vs 24.7%, P<0.0001). For immunohistochemical staining, the expression of beta catenin was significantly lower in male patients (P=0.002), and the expression of vimentin was the opposite (P=0.01). The overall survival rate and disease-free survival were not different. Based on multivariate analysis, older age [hazard ratio (HR)= 1.094, 95% confidence interval (CI): 1.005-1.190] and KI 67 index grade III (HR=12.029, 95% CI: 2.399-60.311) were independent risk factors for tumor recurrence.

Conclusion

The clinical and imaging features of SPN in males were not in full accord with those in females; however, the differences did not influence prognosis.
Mirabegron in Overactive Bladder and Its Role in Exit Strategy After Botulinum Toxin Treatment in Children
Authors: Tan Denise Jia Yun , Weninger Julia , Goyal Anju
Published: February 2022

Purpose

Mirabegron is a recent addition to the management options of overactive bladder (OAB) in children. The purpose of this study was to ascertain the role of Mirabegron in the treatment algorithm of therapy-resistant OAB especially after botulinum toxin.

Methods

Case notes of all children receiving Mirabegron between July 2017 and February 2020 were reviewed.

Results

Forty one children (21 females, 20 males), mean age 12.6 [8–17] years old, commenced Mirabegron: 35 idiopathic OAB, 6 neuropathic OAB. The mean duration of treatment was 20.7 [3–45] months. In total 24 (59%) had Mirabegron after partial/no response to anticholinergics, and 17 (41%) patients had Mirabegron subsequent to botulinum toxin A (BtA) as an exit strategy. In total 35 (85%) patients had combination therapy (Mirabegron and anticholinergics), and 6 (15%) patients had Mirabegron only. Fourteen (34%) had complete response, 17 (41%) had partial response, and 10 (24%) had no response. Side effects were reported in 7 (17%) patients with discontinuation necessitated in 3.

Conclusion

Mirabegron when used alone or in combination with anticholinergics resulted in complete/partial response in 76% of anticholinergic therapy-resistant OAB. In addition to being an important step in treatment escalation after no/partial response to anticholinergics, it has a crucial role in the exit strategy for recurring symptoms after BtA wears off.
Exclusive Breastfeeding and Factors Influencing Its Abandonment During the 1st Month Postpartum Among Women From Semi-rural Communities in Southeast Mexico
Authors: Vázquez-Osorio Inocente Manuel , Vega-Sánchez Rodrigo , Maas-Mendoza Eric , Heller Rouassant Solange , Flores-Quijano María Eugenia
Published: February 2022

Introduction

In this study we describe breastfeeding practices among women from semi-rural communities in southeast Mexico, and explore which factors, modifiable or not, are associated with such practices.

Materials and Methods

This was a formative cross-sectional study that included 143 mothers with infants 4–6 months old, from semi-rural communities in Tabasco, Mexico. We collected data on two categories of factors: (1) women's sociodemographic characteristics, and (2) maternal / infant factors. We first analyzed the frequency of various breastfeeding practices. Then, we classified participants into the up to 1 month of exclusive breastfeeding group ( ≤ 1 m-EBF) and the beyond 1 month EBF group (>1 m-EBF), if they practiced EBF for less or more than 1 month, respectively. We compared the two categories of factors between groups and then, using logistic regression models, explored which factors were associated with practicing >1 m-EBF.

Results

By the end of the 1st month postpartum, 51.7% of participants had abandoned EBF, introduced milk formula (35%), other food (9.1%), non-nutritive liquids (7.7%), or had stopped breastfeeding completely. In the next months, EBF practice fell sharply and mixed feeding grew importantly.

Logistic regression models showed that women were more likely to be in the >1 m-EBF group if they lived with the baby's father, had complications during pregnancy, delivered vaginally and attended a health center at least three times postpartum. To the contrary, women were less likely to be practice >1 m-EBF if they gave infants other liquids during their hospital stay; experienced pain or discomfort in breasts/nipples, or used a pacifier after hospitalization; had larger bodies (i.e., higher BMI); and believed that you should give the infant powdered milk or some other food when the baby is not full.

Conclusion

Many factors associated with abandoning EBF, particularly in the early postpartum period, are modifiable and can be altered through timely interventions that include giving correct information and ensuring its comprehension; assertive personal counseling and accompaniment must be provided to mothers; and reinforcement during the early postpartum at health facilities and other settings.
Magnetic Resonance Imaging Quantification of the Liver Iron Burden and Volume Changes Following Treatment With Thalidomide in Patients With Transfusion-Dependent ß-Thalassemia
Authors: Che Jinlian , Luo Tianying , Huang Lan , Lu Qiyang , Yan Da , Meng Yinying , Xie Jinlan , Chen Weihua , Chen Jiangming , Long Liling
Published: February 2022

Clinical trials have indicated that thalidomide could be used to treat thalassemia, but evidence of changes in liver iron burden and liver volume during thalidomide treatment is lacking. This study aimed to evaluate the liver iron burden and volume changes following thalidomide treatment in patients with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia. A total of 66 participants with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia were included in this prospective cohort study between January 2017 and December 2020. Patients were treated with thalidomide (150–200 mg/day) plus conventional therapy. Liver volume, liver R2*, and hepatic muscle signal ratio (SIR)_T1 and SIR_T2 were measured with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and serum ferritin, hemoglobin, erythrocyte and platelet counts, and liver function were measured at baseline and at the 3rd and 12th months. Adverse events were also noted. Patients showed progressive increase in hemoglobin, erythrocyte, platelet count, SIR_T1, and SIR_T2 during the 12-months follow up. Serum ferritin, R2*, and liver volume progressively decreased during the follow up. The R2* value had a significantly positive correlation with serum ferritin, and SIR_T1 and SIR_T2 had a significantly negative correlation with serum ferritin. No serious adverse events were observed. This study showed that thalidomide could potentially be used to successfully treat patients with transfusion-dependent ß-thalassemia; the liver iron burden and liver volume could be relieved during treatment, and the MRI-measured R2*, SIR_T1, and SIR_T2 may be used to noninvasively monitor liver iron concentration.
Sex Differences in Kappa Opioid Receptor Agonist Mediated Attenuation of Chemotherapy-Induced Neuropathic Pain in Mice
Authors: Paton Kelly F. , Luo Dan , La Flamme Anne C. , Prisinzano Thomas E. , Kivell Bronwyn M.
Published: February 2022

Chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain is a common side effect for cancer patients which has limited effective treatment options. Kappa opioid receptor (KOR) agonists are a promising alternative to currently available opioid drugs due to their low abuse potential. In the current study, we have investigated the effects of Salvinorin A (SalA) analogues, 16-Ethynyl SalA, 16-Bromo SalA and ethyoxymethyl ether (EOM) SalB, and in a preclinical model of paclitaxel-induced neuropathic pain in male and female C57BL/6J mice. Using an acute dose-response procedure, we showed that compared to morphine, 16-Ethynyl SalA was more potent at reducing mechanical allodynia; and SalA, 16-Ethynyl SalA, and EOM SalB were more potent at reducing cold allodynia. In the mechanical allodynia testing, U50,488 was more potent in males and SalA was more potent in females. There were no sex differences in the acute cold allodynia testing. In the chronic administration model, treatment with U50,488 (10 mg/kg) reduced the mechanical and cold allodynia responses to healthy levels over 23 days of treatment. Overall, we have shown that KOR agonists are effective in a model of chemotherapy-induced neuropathic pain, indicating that KOR agonists could be further developed to treat this debilitating condition.
Platelets in Non-alcoholic Fatty Liver Disease
Authors: Dalbeni Andrea , Castelli Marco , Zoncapè Mirko , Minuz Pietro , Sacerdoti David
Published: February 2022

Non alcoholic steatohepatitis (NASH) is the inflammatory reaction of the liver to excessive accumulation of lipids in the hepatocytes. NASH can progress to cirrhosis and hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). Fatty liver is the hepatic manifestation of metabolic syndrome. A subclinical inflammatory state is present in patients with metabolic alterations like insulin resistance, type-2 diabetes, obesity, hyperlipidemia, and hypertension. Platelets participate in immune cells recruitment and cytokines-induced liver damage. It is hypothesized that lipid toxicity cause accumulation of platelets in the liver, platelet adhesion and activation, which primes the immunoinflammatory reaction and activation of stellate cells. Recent data suggest that antiplatelet drugs may interrupt this cascade and prevent/improve NASH. They may also improve some metabolic alterations. The pathophysiology of inflammatory liver disease and the implication of platelets are discussed in details.
Recent Advance of Nanomaterial-Mediated Tumor Therapies in the Past Five Years
Authors: Hao Xinyan , Wu Junyong , Xiang DaXiong , Yang Yongyu
Published: February 2022

Cancer has posed a major threat to human life and health with a rapidly increasing number of patients. The complexity and refractory of tumors have brought great challenges to tumor treatment. In recent years, nanomaterials and nanotechnology have attracted more attention and greatly improved the efficiency of tumor therapies and significantly prolonged the survival period, whether for traditional tumor treatment methods such as radiotherapy, or emerging methods, such as phototherapy and immunotherapy, sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy and RNA interference therapeutics. Various monotherapies have obtained positive results, while combination therapies are further proposed to prevent incomplete eradication and recurrence of tumors, strengthen tumor killing efficacy with minimal side effects. In view of the complementary promotion effects between different therapies, it is vital to utilize nanomaterials as the link between monotherapies to achieve synergistic performance. Further development of nanomaterials with efficient tumor-killing effect and better biosafety is more in line with the needs of clinical treatment. In a word, the development of nanomaterials provides a promising way for tumor treatment, and here we will review the emerging nanomaterials towards radiotherapy, phototherapy and immunotherapy, and summarized the developed nanocarriers applied for the tumor combination therapies in the past 5 years, besides, the advances of some other novel therapies such as sonodynamic therapy, chemodynamic therapy, and RNA interference therapeutics have also been mentioned.
Contactless Vital Signs Monitoring From Videos Recorded With Digital Cameras: An Overview
Authors: Molinaro Nunzia , Schena Emiliano , Silvestri Sergio , Bonotti Fabrizio , Aguzzi Damiano , Viola Erika , Buccolini Fabio , Massaroni Carlo
Published: February 2022

The measurement of physiological parameters is fundamental to assess the health status of an individual. The contactless monitoring of vital signs may provide benefits in various fields of application, from healthcare and clinical setting to occupational and sports scenarios. Recent research has been focused on the potentiality of camera-based systems working in the visible range (380–750 nm) for estimating vital signs by capturing subtle color changes or motions caused by physiological activities but invisible to human eyes. These quantities are typically extracted from videos framing some exposed body areas (e.g., face, torso, and hands) with adequate post-processing algorithms. In this review, we provided an overview of the physiological and technical aspects behind the estimation of vital signs like respiratory rate, heart rate, blood oxygen saturation, and blood pressure from digital images as well as the potential fields of application of these technologies. Per each vital sign, we provided the rationale for the measurement, a classification of the different techniques implemented for post-processing the original videos, and the main results obtained during various applications or in validation studies. The available evidence supports the premise of digital cameras as an unobtrusive and easy-to-use technology for physiological signs monitoring. Further research is needed to promote the advancements of the technology, allowing its application in a wide range of population and everyday life, fostering a biometrical holistic of the human body (BHOHB) approach.
Role of Caveolae in the Development of Microvascular Dysfunction and Hyperglycemia in Type 2 Diabetes
Authors: Tian Yanna , Fopiano Katie Anne , Patel Vijay S. , Feher Attila , Bagi Zsolt
Published: February 2022

In type 2 diabetes (T2D) microvascular dysfunction can interfere with tissue glucose uptake thereby contributing to the development of hyperglycemia. The cell membrane caveolae orchestrate signaling pathways that include microvascular control of tissue perfusion. In this study, we examined the role of caveolae in the regulation of microvascular vasomotor function under the condition of hyperglycemia in T2D patients and rodent models. Human coronary arterioles were obtained during cardiac surgery from T2D patients, with higher perioperative glucose levels, and from normoglycemic, non-diabetic controls. The coronary arteriole responses to pharmacological agonists bradykinin and acetylcholine were similar in T2D and non-diabetic patients, however, exposure of the isolated arteries to methyl-β-cyclodextrin (mβCD), an agent known to disrupt caveolae, reduced vasodilation to bradykinin selectively in T2D subjects and converted acetylcholine-induced vasoconstriction to dilation similarly in the two groups. Dilation to the vascular smooth muscle acting nitric oxide donor, sodium nitroprusside, was not affected by mβCD in either group. Moreover, mβCD reduced endothelium-dependent arteriolar dilation to a greater extent in hyperglycemic and obese db/db mice than in the non-diabetic controls. Mechanistically, when fed a high-fat diet (HFD), caveolin-1 knockout mice, lacking caveolae, exhibited a significantly reduced endothelium-dependent arteriolar dilation, both ex vivo and in vivo, which was accompanied by significantly higher serum glucose levels, when compared to HFD fed wild type controls. Thus, in T2D arterioles the role of caveolae in regulating endothelium-dependent arteriole dilation is altered, which appears to maintain vasodilation and mitigate the extent of hyperglycemia. While caveolae play a unique role in microvascular vasomotor regulation, under the condition of hyperglycemia arterioles from T2D subjects appear to be more susceptible for caveolae disruption-associated vasomotor dysfunction and impaired glycemic control.
Novel Therapeutics for Diabetic Retinopathy and Diabetic Macular Edema: A Pathophysiologic Perspective
Authors: Bunch Katharine L. , Abdelrahman Ammar A. , Caldwell Ruth B. , Caldwell R. William
Published: February 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) and diabetic macular edema (DME) are retinal complications of diabetes that can lead to loss of vision and impaired quality of life. The current gold standard therapies for treatment of DR and DME focus on advanced disease, are invasive, expensive, and can trigger adverse side-effects, necessitating the development of more effective, affordable, and accessible therapies that can target early stage disease. The pathogenesis and pathophysiology of DR is complex and multifactorial, involving the interplay between the effects of hyperglycemia, hyperlipidemia, hypoxia, and production of reactive oxygen species (ROS) in the promotion of neurovascular dysfunction and immune cell polarization to a proinflammatory state. The pathophysiology of DR provides several therapeutic targets that have the potential to attenuate disease progression. Current novel DR and DME therapies under investigation include erythropoietin-derived peptides, inducers of antioxidant gene expression, activators of nitric oxide/cyclic GMP signaling pathways, and manipulation of arginase activity. This review aims to aid understanding of DR and DME pathophysiology and explore novel therapies that capitalize on our knowledge of these diabetic retinal complications.
Sex-Specific Differences of Adenosine Triphosphate Levels in Red Blood Cells Isolated From ApoE/LDLR Double-Deficient Mice
Authors: Alcicek Fatih Celal , Mohaissen Tasnim , Bulat Katarzyna , Dybas Jakub , Szczesny-Malysiak Ewa , Kaczmarska Magdalena , Franczyk-Zarow Magdalena , Kostogrys Renata , Marzec Katarzyna M.
Published: February 2022

In this study for the first time, we investigated the correlation between sex-specific differences in adenosine triphosphate (ATP) levels in red blood cells (RBCs) and their mechanical, biochemical, and morphological alterations during the progression of atherosclerosis in ApoE/LDLR double-deficient (ApoE/LDLR−/−) mice. Our results indicate that both sex and age affect alterations in RBCs of both ApoE/LDLR−/− and C57BL/6J mice. When compared with male RBCs, female RBCs were characterized by lower basal ATP and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration (MCHC), higher hemoglobin concentration (HGB), mean corpuscular volume (MCV), mean corpuscular hemoglobin (MCH), deformability, and phosphatidylserine (PS) exposure levels, regardless of age in both, ApoE/LDLR−/− and C57BL/6J mice. ApoE/LDLR−/− mice compared with age-matched controls showed lower basal ATP levels regardless of age and sex. Intracellular ATP level of RBCs was decreased solely in senescent female C57BL/6J mice, while it was elevated in males. Basal extracellular ATP levels were 400 times lower than corresponding intracellular level. In conclusion, basal ATP levels, RBC morphology, deformability, PS exposure levels alterations are sex-dependent in mice. Changes in basal ATP levels were correlated with PS exposure and trends of changes in MCV. Trends of changes of the most RBC parameters were similar in both sexes of ApoE/LDLR−/− mice compared with age-matched controls; however, their kinetics and levels vary greatly between different stages of disease progression.
Two Dimensions of Moral Cognition as Correlates of Different Forms of Participation in Bullying
Authors: Caravita Simona C. S. , Finne Johannes N. , Fandrem Hildegunn
Published: February 2022

The present study investigated the extent to which moral disengagement and the tendency to consider moral rules as socio-conventional rules are distinct dimensions of morality, and their association with three different forms of participation in bullying (perpetrating bullying, defending the victim and passive bystander behavior). These two types of moral cognitions have been theorized in different models of morality and are usually studied independently, even if research onmoral shifts(the interpretation of a moral rule transgression as a socio-conventional rule transgression) suggests some possible overlaps. A group of 276 Italian students from primary and middle school (aged 8–15) completed self-reports assessing moral disengagement, socio-conventional perception of moral rules, and participation in bullying as bully, defender of the victim and passive bystander. Results from structural equation modeling analysis confirmed that moral disengagement and socio-conventional comprehension of aggressions are separate and moderately connected morality dimensions. Controlling for age, gender and SES, only moral disengagement was positively associated with perpetrating bullying. These results point to moral disengagement as the critical component of moral cognitions to be addressed in interventions.
Stress and Sleep Disorders in Polish Nursing Students During the SARS-CoV-2 Pandemic—Cross Sectional Study
Authors: Bodys-Cupak Iwona , Czubek Kamila , Grochowska Aneta
Published: February 2022

Introduction

The world pandemic of the virus SARS-CoV-2 , which causes COVID-19 infection was announced by the World Health Organization (WHO) on March 11, 2020. Due to the restrictions that were introduced in order to minimize the spread of the virus, people more often suffer from stress, depression, anxiety, and sleep disorders. The aim of this study was evaluation of the stress levels and sleep disorders among nursing students during the pandemic SARS-CoV-2 .

Materials and Study Methods

This is a cross-sectional study conducted among 397 nursing students on March 2020. The research tools used were original questionnaires, Perceived Stress Scale (PSS10), and the Athenian Insomnia Scale (AIS), as well as Coping with Stress Inventory (MiniCOPE).

Results

Respondents felt a high level of stress, which occurred in 68.8% of interviewees regarding whether there was a danger of contracting COVID-19. Respondents experienced 84% stress levels when a family member suffered from COVID-19. Sleep disorders were determined mainly by the fear of infection and contact with someone who might be infected with the virus. Nursing students who felt a high level of stress often suffered from sleep disorders (70.2%) more frequently than students who felt a low or average stress level (30.4%). The respondents decided to cope with stress by denial, taking psychoactive substances, ceasing action, or blaming themselves. The greater the intensity of stress experienced by students, the more often they undertook avoidance behaviors or showed helplessness.

Conclusion

During the pandemic, students experienced severe stress, which resulted in sleep disorders and avoidance behaviors.
Face Processing in Early Development: A Systematic Review of Behavioral Studies and Considerations in Times of COVID-19 Pandemic
Authors: Carnevali Laura , Gui Anna , Jones Emily J. H. , Farroni Teresa
Published: February 2022

Human faces are one of the most prominent stimuli in the visual environment of young infants and convey critical information for the development of social cognition. During the COVID-19 pandemic, mask wearing has become a common practice outside the home environment. With masks covering nose and mouth regions, the facial cues available to the infant are impoverished. The impact of these changes on development is unknown but is critical to debates around mask mandates in early childhood settings. As infants grow, they increasingly interact with a broader range of familiar and unfamiliar people outside the home; in these settings, mask wearing could possibly influence social development. In order to generate hypotheses about the effects of mask wearing on infant social development, in the present work, we systematically reviewN = 129 studies selected based on the most recent PRISMA guidelines providing a state-of-the-art framework of behavioral studies investigating face processing in early infancy. We focused on identifying sensitive periods during which being exposed to specific facial features or to the entire face configuration has been found to be important for the development of perceptive and socio-communicative skills. For perceptive skills, infants gradually learn to analyze the eyes or the gaze direction within the context of the entire face configuration. This contributes to identity recognition as well as emotional expression discrimination. For socio-communicative skills, direct gaze and emotional facial expressions are crucial for attention engagement while eye-gaze cuing is important for joint attention. Moreover, attention to the mouth is particularly relevant for speech learning. We discuss possible implications of the exposure to masked faces for developmental needs and functions. Providing groundwork for further research, we encourage the investigation of the consequences of mask wearing for infants’ perceptive and socio-communicative development, suggesting new directions within the research field.
P2 Manifests Subjective Evaluation of Reward Processing Under Social Comparison
Authors: Zou Feng , Li Xiaoya , Chen Fenfang , Wang Yao , Wang Li , Wang Yufeng , Wu Xin , Zhang Meng
Published: February 2022

Several recent studies have found that when the other’s gain is greater, even subjects’ reward may seem like a loss and lead to a negative experience. These studies indicate the complexity of reward evaluation in the context of social comparison. The satisfaction rating of reward outcome not only depends on objective social comparison but also on subjective evaluation. However, less is known about the neural time course of subjective evaluation. Therefore, we employed a 2 (subjective evaluation: advantageous vs. disadvantageous) × 2 (comparison direction: upward vs. downward) within-subjects factorial design, in which we manipulated the reward distribution for the subjects. Electroencephalography (EEG) responses were recorded, while two subjects concurrently but independently performed a simple dot-estimation task that entailed monetary rewards. Behavioral results showed that the subjects were more satisfied with the advantageous distribution, regardless of upward or downward comparison. The analysis of event-related potentials (ERPs) revealed that disadvantageous distribution elicited a larger P2 than advantageous distribution, and this effect was not modulated by comparison direction. In contrast, the late positive potential (LPP) showed an effect of comparison direction independent of subjective evaluation. The data suggest that subjective evaluation acts upon the early stage of reward processing and manifests in the P2 component, whereas social comparison plays a role in the later appraisal process.
Exploring the Impact of Leadership Characteristics on Subordinates’ Counterproductive Work Behavior: From the Organizational Cultural Psychology Perspective
Authors: Shen Yaoping , Lei Xinghui
Published: February 2022

Counterproductive work behavior (CWB) is extremely detrimental to an organization and its stakeholders as they impact economic efficiency and damage the atmosphere within the organization. The culture and personality of leaders can affect their behavior, psychology and ability. Leaders are in a position of authority, have resources and decision-making power, and their words and actions are noticed and imitated by employees. From a leadership perspective, an effective way to avoid CWB is to seek ways to reduce in its occurrence and escalation. First, we conducted a grounded theory study on the leadership characteristics which are the antecedent variable of CWB, and the leadership characteristics were divided into three categories: psychological, behavioral, and ability. These characteristics impact subordinates’ CWB. Second, based on the conservation of resource theory, we conducted an ecological validation of the mechanism through which leadership characteristics affect subordinates’ CWB, explored the role of work resources and personal resources in it. The results indicate that all three types of leadership characteristics have a negative effect on subordinates’ CWB, among them, the mediating effect of work resources was established, and the mediating effect of personal resources was established in some cases. Therefore, different characteristics of leaders will affect the cognitive differences of subordinates to resources, and then trigger behavioral responses of subordinates. By an advantage analysis of the three leadership characteristics on subordinates’ CWB, it is found that the three leadership characteristics are of similar importance on interpersonal CWB. However, in the effect of organizational CWB, the characteristics of leadership have obvious advantages.
Relationship Between COVID-19 Threat Beliefs and Individual Differences in Demographics, Personality, and Related Beliefs
Authors: Butkovic Ana , Galesic Mirta
Published: February 2022

Individual differences in demographics, personality, and other related beliefs are associated with coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) threat beliefs. However, the relative contributions of these different types of individual differences to COVID-19 threat beliefs are not known. In this study, a total of 1,700 participants in Croatia (68% female; age 18–86 years) completed a survey that included questions about COVID-19 risks, questions about related beliefs including vaccination beliefs, trust in the health system, trust in scientists, and trust in the political system, the HEXACO 60 personality inventory, as well as demographic questions about gender, age, chronic diseases, and region. We used hierarchical regression analyses to examine the proportion of variance explained by demographics, personality, and other related beliefs. All three types of individual differences explained a part of the variance of COVID-19 threat beliefs, with related beliefs explaining the largest part. Personality facets explained a slightly larger amount of variance than personality factors. These results have implications for communication about COVID-19.
Entrepreneurial Leadership and Entrepreneurial Performance in Start-Ups: A Moderated Serial Mediation Model
Authors: Pu Bo , Ji Siyu , Sang Wenyuan , Tang Zhiwei
Published: February 2022

The purpose of this study is to explore the impact of entrepreneurial leadership on entrepreneurial performance in start-ups. Specifically, a moderated serial mediation model was developed to investigate the mediating role of tacit knowledge sharing and job embeddedness and the moderating effect of career growth opportunities. Data was collected from 376 start-up employees via an online survey platform. Using hierarchical multiple regression and Hayes' PROCESS Macro by SPSS 21.0, and structural equation modeling by AMOS 23.0, support was found for both mediation and moderation effects. Results showed that entrepreneurial leadership significantly positively affects entrepreneurial performance by mediating with tacit knowledge sharing and job embeddedness. Moreover, career growth opportunities moderate the serial mediating effect of tacit knowledge sharing and job embeddedness between entrepreneurial leadership and entrepreneurial performance. This study provides theoretical guidance for entrepreneurial leadership to improve entrepreneurial performance.
Linking Gaming Disorder Tendencies in Children to Their Personality and Parental Gaming Behavior
Authors: Wernicke Jennifer , Montag Christian
Published: February 2022

Playing computer and video games (so-called gaming) is of great popularity among children and adults. But for some people, gaming gets out of hand and can result in a Gaming Disorder (GD). Among others, high neuroticism and low conscientiousness are considered to play a role in the etiology of GD. Next to personality traits, environmental variables are debated such as the parental influence on children's gaming behavior. In detail, parental gaming behavior could have role model functions for children. Based on empirical observations and theoretical frameworks, it was hypothesized that higher tendencies to GD in children are associated with higher neuroticism, lower conscientiousness, and higher parental tendencies to GD. In an online survey N = 493 parents (n = 472 females; age: M = 36.30, SD = 5.46) rated their own and their children's (n = 233 girls, n = 260 boys; age: M = 6.03, SD = 2.30) tendencies to GD by the Gaming Disorder Test (GDT) and their children's personality by the Big Five Inventory (BFI). Neuroticism was significantly correlated with the GDT scores of boys (rho = 0.256, p = 0.001) and girls (rho = 0.300, p = 0.001), while a significant correlation with conscientiousness was only present for boys (rho = −0.196, p = 0.010). Parents' and children's general playing of computer and video games were interdependent [χ2(1) = 29.14, p < 0.001]; hence, if parents reported to be gamers, their children were more likely gamers as well. The GDT scores of parents and children were positively correlated (boys: rho = 0.36; p = 0.002; girls: rho = 0.33, p = 0.004). The results indicate that already in children the personality traits neuroticism and conscientiousness are associated with tendencies toward GD. Moreover, as gaming of parents and children was related to each other, it is conceivable that parents influence their children's gaming behavior via their own gaming behavior. Therefore, parents should be aware of their exemplary function for children and may overthink their own gaming behavior. But it has to be mentioned that the correlational nature of the present work allows no insights regarding causal relations.
Dialogue Based Early Detection—Development of a Novel Approach for Detection of Mental Health Problems Among Children in Daycare Centers
Authors: Bjelland Ingvar , Posserud Maj-Britt , Wergeland Gro Janne
Published: February 2022

Background

Among 1–7 years old children the worldwide prevalence of mental disorders is ~20%. Without treatment, the prognosis of such disorders in children is poor. Early intervention is estimated to result in a positive return. However, traditional screening to detect children at need is particularly challenging due to the concerns by false positives. The aim of the current study was to develop a more acceptable though effective method using the existing annual evaluation meetings between parents and teachers in a more systematic and goal directed way. The method should build on the teacher's and parents' complementary knowledge and perception of the child, and fit into the everyday routines in daycare centers.

Method

During a period of 6 years, a developmental process aiming for a novel screening method was carried out in cooperation with eight Norwegian daycare centers. After conception of the idea, the framework of the Dialogue Based Early Detection including the first version of the Early Worry Questionnaire (EWQ) was constructed. An iterative process involving parents and teachers completing workshops and subsequent testing facilitated a re-modeling of the method.

Results

In the resulting Dialogue Based Early Detection a 36-item version of EWQ was completed by both parents and teachers ahead of the annual parent-teacher meeting. During that meeting the participants should try to reach a consensus whether there was a concern, some uncertainty, or no worry for the child, and which appropriate actions should be taken for a possible follow up. Both parents and teachers reported that the EWQ supported them in verbalizing already existing worries for the child. Teachers reported that parents were better prepared and participated more actively in the evaluation meetings. However, some parents complained that there was too much focus on possible worries. During the testing, challenges of language development, conduct, emotional reactions, toileting, attention, and eating were detected among the children.

Conclusion

The Dialogue Based Early Detection method was endorsed by both teachers and parents and holds promise as a tool for improving early awareness and identification of developmental and mental health problems of preschool children in daycare centers.
Associations Among Workplace Bullying, Resilience, Insomnia Severity, and Subjective Wellbeing in Chinese Resident Doctors
Authors: Zhou Shaojiong , Chen Jia , Lin Han , Ye Ying , Xiao Yu , Ouyang Na , Pan Shaomei , Feng Siqi , Xie Meiling , Li Bingxian
Published: February 2022

Background

Although workplace bullying is common among medical workers, its associations with insomnia severity and subjective wellbeing are still unclear. Our study aimed to investigate these associations among resident doctors who are more vulnerable to both workplace bullying and insomnia.

Methods

We conducted a cross-sectional survey of 1,877 resident doctors from 12 hospitals across 7 administrative regions in China. Workplace bullying, resilience, insomnia severity, and subjective wellbeing were evaluated by the Negative Acts Questionnaire-Revised (NAQ-R), the Chinese version of the Connor-Davidson Resilience Scale-10-item (CD-RISC-10), the Insomnia Severity Index, and the Index of Wellbeing, respectively. Further, a logistic regression analysis was used to analyze factors associated with insomnia. In addition, structural equation modeling (SEM) was applied to examine the associations among workplace bullying, resilience, insomnia severity, and subjective wellbeing.

Results

In the present study, the rates of workplace bullying and insomnia were 51.4 and 33.2%, respectively. Workplace bullying (OR = 1.056, p < 0.001) and poor resilience (OR = 0.957, p < 0.001) were the factors associated with insomnia after controlling the confounding variables. Further, SEM of the present study revealed a direct relationship between workplace bullying and subjective wellbeing (std-β = −0.223, p < 0.001). In addition, insomnia severity (std-β = −0.071, p < 0.001) and resilience (std-β = −0.092, p < 0.001) can individually or collectively (std-β = −0.008, p < 0.001) mediate the indirect associations between workplace bullying and subjective wellbeing. However, resilience was found to act as a moderator only in the direct association between workplace bullying and subjective wellbeing.

Conclusions

Workplace bullying and poor resilience were the factors associated with insomnia. Further, greater resilience acted as a buffer in the direct association between workplace bullying and subjective wellbeing, whereas both insomnia severity and resilience were critical mediators in the indirect associations between them.
Learning Resource Allocation in Active-Passive Radar Sensor Networks
Authors: Mathews Zenon , Quiriconi Luca , Schüpbach Christof , Weber Peter
Published: February 2022

Recent advances in Passive Coherent Location (PCL) systems make combined active and passive radar sensor networks very attractive for both military and civilian air surveillance. PCL systems seem promising as cost-effective gap fillers of active radar coverage especially in alpine terrain and also as covert early warning sensors. However, PCL systems are sensitive to changes of Transmitters of Opportunity (ToO). Many approaches for energy-efficient target detection have been proposed for active radar sensor networks. However, energy-efficiency and topology optimization of combined active-passive radar sensor networks in realistic scenarios have been poorly studied until today. We here propose an unsupervised learning approach for topology optimization and energy-efficient detection in combined active-passive radar sensor networks. The interdependence of active and passive sensors in the network and the given target scenario is naturally accounted for by our approach. Optimal power budget and detection sectors of active radars and the most useful ToOs for each PCL sensor are simultaneously learned over time. This is a critical contribution for minimizing the need for active radar power budget and PCL computational resources. The power budget of active radars is minimized in a way that the added value of PCL sensors is fully exploited. We also demonstrate how our approach dynamically relearns to achieve robust performance when changes in the ToO of PCL sensors occur. We test our approach in a simulation suite for active-passive radar sensor networks using real-world air surveillance data and ToOs under real-world topographical conditions.
The Need for a System Science Approach to Global Magnetospheric Models
Authors: Delzanno Gian Luca , Borovsky Joseph E.
Published: February 2022

This perspective advocates for the need of a combined system science approach to global magnetospheric models and to spacecraft magnetospheric data to answer the question “Do simulations behave in the same manner as the magnetosphere does?” (instead of the standard validation question “How well do simulations reproduce spacecraft data?”). This approach will 1) validate global magnetospheric models statistically, without the need for a direct comparison against spacecraft data, 2) expose the deficiencies of the models, and 3) provide physics support to the system analysis performed on the magnetospheric system.