bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Adjuvant Radiotherapy Versus Surveillance for Grade 2 Intracranial Meningiomas: A Multi-Institutional Propensity Score-Matched Study
Authors: Byun Hwa Kyung , Chang Won Ick , Lee Joo Ho , Park Chul-Kee , Kim In Ah , Kim Chae-Yong , Cho Jaeho , Kim Eui Hyun , Chang Jong Hee , Kang Seok-Gu , Moon Ju Hyung , Lee Sang Hyung , Lee Jason Joon Bock , Kim Il Han , Suh Chang-Ok , Wee Chan Woo , Yoon Hong In
Published: July 2022

Purpose

We aimed to compare the outcomes of adjuvant radiotherapy (ART) and surveillance in patients with grade 2 meningiomas (MNG2) who underwent surgical resection.

Materials and Methods

Data from four hospitals, in which patients aged ≥18 years underwent Simpson grade 1−4 surgical resection for newly diagnosed MNG2 between 1998 and 2018, were examined in this multicenter retrospective cohort study. Patients receiving ART with conventional fractionation were compared with those undergoing surveillance. Progression-free survival (PFS), progression/recurrence (P/R) were evaluated.

Results

This study included 518 patients, 158 of whom received ART. The median follow-up duration was 64.9 months. In the total cohort, ART was independently associated with significantly improved PFS (HR, 0.35; 95% CI, 0.23–0.55; P<0.001) and P/R (HR, 0.30; 95% CI, 0.18–0.48; P<0.001). In the propensity score-matched cohort (n=143 in each group), the 5-year PFS rates were 80.8% and 57.7% (P=0.004), and the 5-year P/R rates were 16.5% and 40.0% (P=0.002) in the ART and surveillance groups, respectively. After gross total resection, the 5-year PFS (85.0% vs. 64.7%; P=0.020) and P/R rates (15.2% vs. 32.0%; P=0.035) were significantly better in the ART group than in the surveillance group. A model for P/R was developed using recursive partitioning analysis with surgical extent, tumor size, and Ki-67 index. ART reduced the risk of P/R in the low- (P=0.069), intermediate- (P=0.044), and high-risk groups (P<0.001). Local control was also significantly enhanced by ART among all the risk groups (all P<0.05).

Conclusions

ART significantly improved PFS and P/R in patients with MNG2, irrespective of the surgical extent, and can be recommended after gross total resection. A prognostic model may guide decision-making for the use of ART.
Virtual Biopsy in Soft Tissue Sarcoma. How Close Are We?
Authors: Arthur Amani , Johnston Edward W. , Winfield Jessica M. , Blackledge Matthew D. , Jones Robin L. , Huang Paul H. , Messiou Christina
Published: July 2022

A shift in radiology to a data-driven specialty has been unlocked by synergistic developments in imaging biomarkers (IB) and computational science. This is advancing the capability to deliver “virtual biopsies” within oncology. The ability to non-invasively probe tumour biology both spatially and temporally would fulfil the potential of imaging to inform management of complex tumours; improving diagnostic accuracy, providing new insights into inter- and intra-tumoral heterogeneity and individualised treatment planning and monitoring. Soft tissue sarcomas (STS) are rare tumours of mesenchymal origin with over 150 histological subtypes and notorious heterogeneity. The combination of inter- and intra-tumoural heterogeneity and the rarity of the disease remain major barriers to effective treatments. We provide an overview of the process of successful IB development, the key imaging and computational advancements in STS including quantitative magnetic resonance imaging, radiomics and artificial intelligence, and the studies to date that have explored the potential biological surrogates to imaging metrics. We discuss the promising future directions of IBs in STS and illustrate how the routine clinical implementation of a virtual biopsy has the potential to revolutionise the management of this group of complex cancers and improve clinical outcomes.
Metabolic Syndrome Predicts Response to Neoadjuvant Chemotherapy in Breast Cancer
Authors: Lu Ying , Wang Pinxiu , Lan Ning , Kong Fei , Abdumijit Awaguli , Tu Shiyan , Li Yanting , Yuan Wenzhen
Published: July 2022

Purpose

This research investigated the predictive role of metabolic syndrome (MetS) in breast cancer neoadjuvant chemotherapy (BCNACT) response.

Methods

One hundred fifty primary breast cancer (BC) patients who underwent neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT) were included retrospectively. MetS, MetS components [waist circumference (WC), fasting blood glucose (FBG), blood pressure, triglycerides (TG), and high-density lipoprotein cholesterol (HDL-C)], serum lipid, and other MetS-related laboratory indicators within two weeks before BCNACT were evaluated. Univariate, multivariate, and subgroup analyses were performed to determine the predictors of BCNACT pathologic complete response (pCR), clinical response, and pathologic response. The effectiveness of the model was evaluated via receiver operating characteristic curve (ROC) and calibration curve. External validation was performed through 135 patients.

Results

Univariate analysis revealed that MetS before BCNACT predicted poor BCNACT response (pCR, P = 0.003; clinical response, P = 0.033; pathologic response, P < 0.001). Multivariate analysis confirmed that MetS before BCNACT predicted lower pCR rate (P = 0.041). Subgroup analysis showed that this relationship was significant in estrogen receptor (ER) (−) (RR = 0.266; 95% CI, 0.074–0.954), human epidermal growth factor 2 (HER2) (−) (RR = 0.833; 95% CI, 0.740–0.939) and TNBC (RR = 0.833; 95% CI, 0.636–0.995). Multivariate analysis of external validation confirmed that pretreatment MetS was associated with a lower pCR rate (P = 0.003), and subgroup analysis also confirmed that this relationship had significant statistical differences in ER (−), HER2 (−), and TNBC subgroups.

Conclusions

MetS before BCNACT predicted a lower pCR rate. Intervention on MetS status, especially in ER (−), HER2 (−), and TNBC subgroups, is expected to improve the response rate of BCNACT further.
Role of Surgery in the Management of Liver Metastases From Gastrointestinal Stromal Tumors
Authors: Xue Anwei , Gao Xiaodong , He Yifeng , Shu Ping , Huang Xiaowu , Sun Jianyi , Lu Jiangshen , Hou Yingyong , Fang Yong , Shen Kuntang
Published: July 2022

Background

The clinical benefit of hepatectomy in patients with liver metastases from gastrointestinal stromal tumors (GIST) has not been well defined in this era of tyrosine kinase inhibitor (TKI). Our study aims to demonstrate the survival advantage of adding hepatectomy in patients with GIST liver metastases.

Methods

Information on patients with metastatic GIST treated or consulted between January 2006 and December 2018 was retrieved. Patients without extrahepatic metastases were included and classified into the surgical (S group) and non-surgical (NS group). Clinicopathological features were compared and their association with survival was assessed.

Results

A total of 119 patients were included in this retrospective analysis, 62 in the S group and 59 in the NS group. Comparison of clinicopathological features showed that a markedly higher proportion of patients in the S group had ≤3 hepatic lesions (79.0% vs. 29.8%, p<0.001). After a median follow-up duration of 56 months, patients in the S group had significantly better progression-free survival (PFS) and marginally improved overall survival (OS) than those in the NS group (3y PFS:86.2% vs. 64.6%, p=0.002; 5y OS: 91.5% vs. 78.3%, p=0.083). After propensity score matching, multivariate analysis identified hepatectomy as the only significant prognostic factor for PFS while age, hepatectomy and max tumor diameter were significant predictor for OS.

Conclusions

Addition of hepatectomy provided longer disease control in patients with metastatic GIST confined to the liver. Upfront hepatectomy followed by imatinib therapy is worthwhile trying in patients with single and easily removable lesions.
The Angelica dahurica: A Review of Traditional Uses, Phytochemistry and Pharmacology
Authors: Zhao Hui , Feng Ya-Long , Wang Ming , Wang Jing-Jing , Liu Tian , Yu Jun
Published: July 2022

Angelica dahurica (A. dahurica) root is a famous edible medicinal herb that has been used in China for thousands of years. To date, more than 300 chemical constituents have been discovered from A. dahurica. Among these ingredients, coumarins and volatile oils are the major active compounds. Moreover, a few other compounds have also been isolated from the root of A. dahurica, such as alkaloids, phenols, sterols, benzofurans, polyacetylenes and polysaccharides. Modern pharmacological studies demonstrated that the root of A. dahurica and its active components displayed various bioactivities such as anti-inflammation, anti-tumor, anti-oxidation, analgesic activity, antiviral and anti-microbial effects, effects on the cardiovascular system, neuroprotective function, hepatoprotective activity, effects on skin diseases and so on. Based on these studies, this review focused on the research publications of A. dahurica and aimed to summarize the advances in the traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology which will provide reference for the further studies and applications of A. dahurica.
The Role of Membrane-Associated E3 Ubiquitin Ligases in Cancer
Authors: Chen Xuankun , Jiang Li , Zhou Zhesheng , Yang Bo , He Qiaojun , Zhu Chengliang , Cao Ji
Published: July 2022

The cell membrane system comprises the plasma membrane, endoplasmic reticulum, Golgi apparatus, lysosome, mitochondria, and nuclear membrane, which are essential for maintaining normal physiological functions of cells. The proteins associated with these membrane-organelles are frequently modified to regulate their functions, the most common of which is ubiquitin modification. So far, many ubiquitin E3 ligases anchored in the membrane system have been identified as critical players facilitating intracellular biofunctions whose dysfunction is highly related to cancer. In this review, we summarized membrane-associated E3 ligases and revealed their relationship with cancer, which is of great significance for discovering novel drug targets of cancer and may open up new avenues for inducing ubiquitination-mediated degradation of cancer-associated membrane proteins via small chemicals such as PROTAC and molecular glue.
Network Analysis Identifies Phase Transitions for Tumor With Interacting Cells
Authors: Darooneh Amir Hossein , Kohandel Mohammad
Published: July 2022

Metastasis is the process by which cancer cells acquire the capability to leave the primary tumor and travel to distant sites. Recent experiments have suggested that the epithelial–mesenchymal transition can regulate invasion and metastasis. Another possible scenario is the collective motion of cells. Recent studies have also proposed a jamming–unjamming transition for epithelial cells based on physical forces. Here, we assume that there exists a short-range chemical attraction between cancer cells and employ the Brownian dynamics to simulate tumor growth. Applying the network analysis, we suggest three possible phases for a given tumor and study the transition between these phases by adjusting the attraction strength.
Multi-Model Domain Adaptation for Diabetic Retinopathy Classification
Authors: Zhang Guanghua , Sun Bin , Zhang Zhaoxia , Pan Jing , Yang Weihua , Liu Yunfang
Published: July 2022

Diabetic retinopathy (DR) is one of the most threatening complications in diabetic patients, leading to permanent blindness without timely treatment. However, DR screening is not only a time-consuming task that requires experienced ophthalmologists but also easy to produce misdiagnosis. In recent years, deep learning techniques based on convolutional neural networks have attracted increasing research attention in medical image analysis, especially for DR diagnosis. However, dataset labeling is expensive work and it is necessary for existing deep-learning-based DR detection models. For this study, a novel domain adaptation method (multi-model domain adaptation) is developed for unsupervised DR classification in unlabeled retinal images. At the same time, it only exploits discriminative information from multiple source models without access to any data. In detail, we integrate a weight mechanism into the multi-model-based domain adaptation by measuring the importance of each source domain in a novel way, and a weighted pseudo-labeling strategy is attached to the source feature extractors for training the target DR classification model. Extensive experiments are performed on four source datasets (DDR, IDRiD, Messidor, and Messidor-2) to a target domain APTOS 2019, showing that MMDA produces competitive performance for present state-of-the-art methods for DR classification. As a novel DR detection approach, this article presents a new domain adaptation solution for medical image analysis when the source data is unavailable.
Factors Affecting Breast Myopathies in Broiler Chickens and Quality of Defective Meat: A Meta-Analysis
Authors: Bordignon Francesco , Xiccato Gerolamo , Boskovic Cabrol Marija , Birolo Marco , Trocino Angela
Published: July 2022

Fast-growing broiler chickens are subjected to breast myopathies such as white striping (WS), wooden breast (WB), and spaghetti meat (SM). Available studies about risk factors for myopathy occurrence often used flock data whereas a few reports evaluated chicken individual data. Thus, the present study aimed to elucidate the effect of growth and slaughter traits, besides sex and genotype on myopathy occurrence. Data were obtained from eight experimental trials, which used a total of 6,036 broiler chickens. Sex, genotype, daily weight gain, slaughter weight, and breast yield were evaluated as potential risk factors by logistic regression analyses. Then, the effects of myopathy and sex were evaluated on meat rheological traits (pH, colour, cooking losses and shear force). Based on a logistic regression, WS occurrence was associated with genotype, breast weight, and breast yield. Compared with chickens with intermediate breast weight and breast yield, higher odds of having WS were found in chickens with high breast weight (OR: 1.49) and yield (OR: 1.27), whereas lower odds were found in those with low breast weight (OR: 0.57) and yield (OR: 0.82). As for WB and SM, females had lower odds of having WB (OR: 0.55) and higher odds of showing SM (OR: 15.4) compared to males. In males, higher odds of having WB were found in chickens with a high daily weight gain (OR: 1.75) compared to those with an intermediate daily weight gain. In females, higher odds of having SM were associated to a high slaughter weight (OR: 2.10) while lower odds to a low slaughter weight (OR: 0.87). As for meat quality, only WB meat was clearly different for some technological and sensorial properties, which can play a major role also in meat processing. In conclusion, our analysis identified breast development as a potential risk factor for WS, while a high growth was the risk factor for WB and SM. A different probability of having WB or SM in females and male was found.
Genome-Wide Association Analysis Combined With Quantitative Trait Loci Mapping and Dynamic Transcriptome Unveil the Genetic Control of Seed Oil Content in Brassica napus L.
Authors: Zhao Chuanji , Xie Meili , Liang Longbing , Yang Li , Han Hongshi , Qin Xinrong , Zhao Jixian , Hou Yan , Dai Wendong , Du Caifu , Xiang Yang , Liu Shengyi , Huang Xianqun
Published: July 2022

Rapeseed, an allotetraploid oil crop, provides vegetable oil for human consumption. The growing demand for oilseeds has necessitated the development of rapeseed varieties with improved quality. Therefore, a clear understanding of the genetic basis underlying the seed oil content (SOC) is required. In this study, a natural population comprising 204 diverse accessions and recombinant inbred lines (RILs) derived from Brassica napus and Sinapis alba via distant hybridization were collected for genome-wide association analysis (GWAS) and quantitative trait loci (QTL) mapping of the SOC trait, respectively. The variable coefficient of the RIL and natural populations ranged from 7.43 to 10.43% and 8.40 to 10.91%. Then, a high-density linkage map was constructed based on whole genome re-sequencing (WGS); the map harbored 2,799 bin markers and covered a total distance of 1,835.21 cM, with an average marker interval of 0.66 cM. The QTLs for SOC on chromosome A07 were stably detected in both single and multiple environments. Finally, a novel locus qA07.SOC was identified as the major QTL for SOC based on the GWAS and RIL populations. In addition, the RNA-seq results showed that photosynthesis, lipid biosynthesis proteins, fatty acid metabolism, and unsaturated fatty acid biosynthesis were significantly different between the developed seeds of the two parents of the RIL population. By comparing the variation information and expression levels of the syntenic genes within qA07.SOC and its syntenic genomic regions, as well as through haplotype analysis via GWAS, BnaA07.STR18, BnaA07.NRT1, and BnaA07g12880D were predicted as candidate genes in the qA07.SOC interval. These stable QTLs containing candidate genes and haplotypes can potentially provide a reliable basis for marker-assisted selection in B. napus breeding for SOC.
Rice Yield Estimation Based on Continuous Wavelet Transform With Multiple Growth Periods
Authors: Gu Chen , Ji Shu , Xi Xiaobo , Zhang Zhenghua , Hong Qingqing , Huo Zhongyang , Li Wenxi , Mao Wei , Zhao Haitao , Zhang Ruihong , Li Bin , Tan Changwei
Published: July 2022

Yield is an important indicator in evaluating rice planting, and it is the collective result of various factors over multiple growth stages. To achieve a large-scale accurate prediction of rice yield, based on yield estimation models using a single growth stage and conventional spectral transformation methods, this study introduced the continuous wavelet transform algorithm and constructed models under the premise of combined multiple growth stages. In this study, canopy reflectance spectra at four important stages of rice elongation, heading, flowering and milky were selected, and then, a rice yield estimation model was constructed by combining vegetation index, first derivative and wavelet transform based on random forest algorithm or multiple stepwise regression. This study found that the combination of multiple growth stages significantly improved the model accuracy. In addition, after two validations, the optimal model combination for rice yield estimation is first derivative-wavelet transform-vegetation index-random forest model based on four growth stages, with the coefficient of determination (R2) of 0.86, the root mean square error (RMSE) of 35.50 g·m−2 and the mean absolute percentage error (MAPE) of 4.6% for the training set, R2 of 0.85, RMSE of 33.40 g.m−2 and MAPE 4.30% for the validation set 1, and R2 of 0.80, RMSE of 37.40 g·m−2 and MAPE of 4.60% for the validation set 2. The research results demonstrated that the established model could accurately predict rice yield, providing technical support and a foundation for large-scale statistical estimating of rice yield.
Rethinking the Multidimensionality of Growth Mindset Amid the COVID-19 Pandemic: A Systematic Review and Framework Proposal
Authors: Ku Yun-Ruei , Stager Catanya
Published: July 2022

Students, staff, and faculty in higher education are facing unprecedented challenges due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Recent data revealed that a good number of academic activities and opportunities were disrupted as a result of the COVID-19 pandemic and its variants. While much uncertainty remains for the next academic year, how higher education institutions and their students might improve responses to the rapidly changing situation matters. This systematic review and framework proposal aim to update previous empirical work and examine the current evidence for the effectiveness of growth mindset interventions in young adults. To this end, a systematic search identified 20 empirical studies involving 5, 805 young adults. These studies examined growth mindset within ecologically valid educational contexts and various content areas. Generally, these findings showed that brief messages of growth mindset can improve underrepresented students' academic performance and facilitate other relevant psychological constructs. In addition, we argue, although growth mindset has been identified as a unitary concept, it is comprised of multiple interdependent skills, such as self-control, self-efficacy, and self-esteem. Understanding the nature of growth mindset may contribute to successful mindset implementation. Therefore, this article presents a practical framework to help educators in higher education rethink the multidimensionality of growth mindset and to provide their students with alternative routes to achieve their goals. Finally, additional articles were discussed to help evaluate growth mindset interventions in higher education.
The Perceived Impact of COVID-19 on the Mental Health Status of Adolescent and Young Adult Survivors of Childhood Cancer and the Development of a Knowledge Translation Tool to Support Their Information Needs
Authors: Hou Sharon H. J. , Tran Andrew , Cho Sara , Forbes Caitlin , Forster Victoria J. , Stokoe Mehak , Allapitan Elleine , Wakefield Claire E. , Wiener Lori , Heathcote Lauren C. , Michel Gisela , Patterson Pandora , Reynolds Kathleen , Schulte Fiona S. M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Adolescent and young adult (AYA; 13 to 39 years) survivors of childhood cancer may be especially vulnerable to physical health and mental health concerns during the pandemic. We investigated the impact of COVID-19 on the mental health status of AYA survivors (Aim 1) and shared tailored, evidence-based health-related information on COVID-19 (Aim 2).

Methods

Between May and June 2020, participants completed a cross-sectional online survey assessing their cancer history, current mental health status, and their COVID-19 information needs.

Results

Ninety-four participants (78 females, 13 males, 2 non-binary) with a mean age of 26.9 years (SD = 6.2) were included in the final sample. Participants reported residing from 10 countries and 94% identified as White. Nearly half of the participants (49%) described their mental health status as worse now than before the pandemic. Thirty-nine participants (41%) that indicated their current mental health status was tied to fears/worries about their past cancer and treatment experienced a higher level of anxiety and PTSS than those who did not report the same. Most participants (77%) had not received any information related to the potential risks of COVID-19 and expressed an interest in receiving this information. In response, an infographic detailing recommended strategies for coping with mental health problems in the pandemic, along with preliminary study findings, was developed.

Discussion

AYA survivors reporting their mental health status was linked to their past cancer experienced poorer mental health. There is a value to educating survivors on their potential health risks, but accounting for their perceived mental health vulnerabilities should be considered when disseminating knowledge. The use of an infographic is a unique contribution towards the development of innovative and personalized means of sharing health education to this vulnerable yet resilient group. This research on the mental health status of AYA survivors very early in the pandemic informs continued initiatives investigating the rapidly changing nature of how COVID-19 may impact AYA survivors today and in the future.
Cognitive Performance at Time of AD Diagnosis: A Clinically Augmented Register-Based Study
Authors: Alenius Minna , Hokkanen Laura , Koskinen Sanna , Hallikainen Ilona , Hänninen Tuomo , Karrasch Mira , Raivio Minna M. , Laakkonen Marja-Liisa , Krüger Johanna , Suhonen Noora-Maria , Kivipelto Miia , Ngandu Tiia
Published: July 2022

We aimed to evaluate the feasibility of using real-world register data for identifying persons with mild Alzheimer’s disease (AD) and to describe their cognitive performance at the time of diagnosis. Patients diagnosed with AD during 2010–2013 (aged 60–81 years) were identified from the Finnish national health registers and enlarged with a smaller private sector sample (total n = 1,268). Patients with other disorders impacting cognition were excluded. Detailed clinical and cognitive screening data (the Consortium to Establish a Registry for Alzheimer’s Disease neuropsychological battery [CERAD-nb]) were obtained from local health records. Adequate cognitive data were available for 389 patients with mild AD (31%) of the entire AD group. The main reasons for not including patients in analyses of cognitive performance were AD diagnosis at a moderate/severe stage (n = 266, 21%), AD diagnosis given before full register coverage (n = 152, 12%), and missing CERAD-nb data (n = 139, 11%). The cognitive performance of persons with late-onset AD (n = 284), mixed cerebrovascular disease and AD (n = 51), and other AD subtypes (n = 54) was compared with that of a non-demented sample (n = 1980) from the general population. Compared with the other AD groups, patients with late-onset AD performed the worst in word list recognition, while patients with mixed cerebrovascular disease and AD performed the worst in constructional praxis and clock drawing tests. A combination of national registers and local health records can be used to collect data relevant for cognitive screening; today, the process is laborious, but it could be improved in the future with refined search algorithms and electronic data.
Electronic Toys Decrease the Quantity and Lexical Diversity of Spoken Language Produced by Children With Autism Spectrum Disorder and Age-Matched Children With Typical Development
Authors: Venker Courtney E. , Johnson Jennifer R.
Published: July 2022

Many young children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) have language delays. Play-based interactions present a rich, naturalistic context for supporting language and communication development, but electronic toys may compromise the quality of play interactions. This study examined how electronic toys impact the quantity and lexical diversity of spoken language produced by children with ASD and age-matched children with typical development (TD), compared to traditional toys without electronic features. Twenty-eight parent-child dyads (14 per group) played with both electronic and traditional toy sets in a counter-balanced order. We transcribed child speech during both play sessions and derived the number of utterances and number of different word (NDW) roots per minute that children produced. Children with ASD and children with TD talked significantly less and produced significantly fewer unique words during electronic toy play than traditional toy play. In this way, children appear to take a “backseat” to electronic toys, decreasing their communicative contributions to play-based social interactions with their parents. These findings highlight the importance of understanding how toy type can affect parent-child play interactions and the subsequent learning opportunities that may be created. Play-based interventions for children with ASD may be most effective when they incorporate traditional toys, rather than electronic toys.
Neuromodulation Treatments of Pathological Anxiety in Anxiety Disorders, Stressor-Related Disorders, and Major Depressive Disorder: A Dimensional Systematic Review and Meta-Analysis
Authors: Gay Florian , Singier Allison , Aouizerate Bruno , Salvo Francesco , Bienvenu Thomas C. M.
Published: July 2022

Background

Pathological anxiety is responsible for major functional impairments and resistance to conventional treatments in anxiety disorders (ADs), posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and major depressive disorder (MDD). Focal neuromodulation therapies such as transcranial magnetic stimulation (TMS), transcranial direct current stimulation (tDCS) and deep brain stimulation (DBS) are being developed to treat those disorders.

Methods

We performed a dimensional systematic review and meta-analysis to assess the evidence of the efficacy of TMS, tDCS and DBS in reducing anxiety symptoms across ADs, PTSD and MDD. Reports were identified through systematic searches in PubMed/Medline, Scopus and Cochrane library (inception to November 2020), followed by review according to the PRISMA guidelines. Controlled clinical trials examining the effectiveness of brain stimulation techniques on generic anxiety symptoms in patients with ADs, PTSD or MDD were selected.

Results

Nineteen studies (RCTs) met inclusion criteria, which included 589 participants. Overall, focal brain activity modulation interventions were associated with greater reduction of anxiety levels than controls [SMD: −0.56 (95% CI, −0.93 to−0.20, I2 = 77%]. Subgroup analyses revealed positive effects for TMS across disorders, and of focal neuromodulation in generalized anxiety disorder and PTSD. Rates of clinical responses and remission were higher in the active conditions. However, the risk of bias was high in most studies.

Conclusions

There is moderate quality evidence for the efficacy of neuromodulation in treating pathological anxiety.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=233084, identifier: PROSPERO CRD42021233084. It was submitted on January 29th, 2021, and registered on March 1st, 2021. No amendment was made to the recorded protocol. A change was applied for the subgroup analyses based on target brain regions, we added the putative nature (excitatory/inhibitory) of brain activity modulation.
No Clinically Relevant Memory Effects in Perinatal Hyperglycemia and Hypoglycemia: A 40-Year Follow-Up of a Small Cohort
Authors: Järvinen Ilkka , Launes Jyrki , Lipsanen Jari , Virta Maarit , Vanninen Ritva , Lehto Eliisa , Schiavone Nella , Tuulio-Henriksson Annamari , Hokkanen Laura
Published: July 2022

Maternal diabetes mellitus in pregnancy is associated with impairments in memory functions of the offspring in childhood and adolescence but has not been studied in adulthood. The association of perinatal hypoglycemia with memory has not been studied in adulthood either. The combined sequelae of these two risk factors have not been directly compared. We studied general cognitive ability and memory functions in a prospective follow-up of a cohort born in 1971 to 1974. The sample included participants exposed to prenatal hyperglycemia (n = 24), perinatal hypoglycemia (n = 19), or both (n = 7). It also included controls with no early risks (n = 82). We assessed the participants' Intelligence quotient (IQ), working memory, and immediate and delayed recall of both verbal and visual material at the age of 40. We did not find significant differences in IQ or the memory tests between the groups. We did identify an interaction (p = 0.03) of the early risk with the type of digit span task: compared to the controls, the participants exposed to perinatal hypoglycemia had a larger difference between the forward digit span, a measure of attention, and the backward digit span, a measure of working memory processing (p = 0.022). The interaction remained significant when birth weight was controlled for (p = 0.026). Thus, in this small cohort, prenatal hyperglycemia, perinatal hypoglycemia, and their combination appeared relatively benign disorders. The association of these conditions with neurocognitive impairments in adulthood remains unconfirmed. The significance of the working memory difference needs to be verified with a larger sample.
Modeling of the Small-Scale Outbreak of COVID-19
Authors: Wu Ze-Yang , Zhang Hong-Bo , Zhao Hong-Fei
Published: July 2022

With the improvement of treatment and prevention methods, many countries have the pandemic under control. Different from the globally large-scale outbreak of COVID-19 in 2020, now the outbreak in these countries shows new characteristics, which calls for an effective epidemic model to describe the transmission dynamics. Meeting this need, first, we extensively investigate the small-scale outbreaks in different provinces of China and use classic compartmental models, which have been widely used in predictions, to forecast the outbreaks. Additionally, we further propose a new version of cellular automata with a time matrix, to simulate outbreaks. Finally, the experimental results show that the proposed cellular automata could effectively simulate the small-scale outbreak of COVID-19, which provides insights into the transmission dynamics of COVID-19 in China and help countries with small-scale outbreaks to determine and implement effective intervention measures. The countries with relatively small populations will also get useful information about the epidemic from our research.
Designing Accessible Walking Routes for People With a Visual Impairment
Authors: Dalyot Sagi , Cohen Achituv
Published: July 2022

Most of us take our navigation abilities for granted and instinctively use our sense of sight to help us find our way. However, for millions of people worldwide with visual impairments, wayfinding and navigation are a daily challenge. Pedestrians with visual impairments lack basic information about the spaces in which they are walking. This restricts and limits them, makes them dependent on others, harms their welfare, and negatively impacts them socially. Recently, a study was performed at the Technion in Israel, aimed at developing software and an application to design walking routes especially suited for the visually impaired population, focusing on their unique needs and preferences. This study offers an effective and practical solution for pedestrians who are visually impaired, which enhances their mobility, independence, and welfare, and thus enables them to engage more easily with society.
Are Measurement Instruments Responsive to Assess Acute Responses to Load in High-Level Youth Soccer Players?
Authors: Ruf Ludwig , Drust Barry , Ehmann Paul , Skorski Sabrina , Meyer Tim
Published: July 2022

Purpose

The aim of this study was to assess the short-term responsiveness of measurement instruments aiming at quantifying the acute psycho-physiological response to load in high-level adolescent soccer players.

Methods

Data were collected from 16 high-level male youth soccer players from the Under 15 age group. Players were assessed on two occasions during the week: after 2 days of load accumulation (“high load”) and after at least 48 h of rest. Measurements consisted of the Short Recovery and Stress Scale (SRSS), a countermovement jump (CMJ) and a sub-maximal run to assess exercise heart-rate (HRex) and heart-rate recovery (HRR60s). Training load was quantified using total distance and high-speed running distance to express external and sRPE training load to express internal load. It was expected that good instruments can distinguish reliably between high load and rest.

Results

Odd ratios (0.74–1.73) of rating one unit higher or lower were very low for athlete-reported ratings of stress and recovery of the SRSS. Standardized mean high load vs. rest differences for CMJ parameters were trivial to small (−0.31 to 0.34). The degree of evidence against the null hypothesis that changes are interchangeable ranged from p = 0.04 to p = 0.83. Moderate changes were observed for HRex (−0.62; 90% Cl −0.78 to −0.47; p = 3.24 × 10−9), while small changes were evident for HRR60s (0.45; 90% Cl 0.08–0.80; p = 0.04). Only small to moderate repeated-measures correlations were found between the accumulation of load and acute responses across all measurement instruments. The strongest relationships were observed between HRex and total distance (rm-r = −0.48; 90% Cl −0.76 to −0.25).

Conclusion

Results suggest that most of the investigated measurement instruments to assess acute psycho-physiological responses in adolescent soccer players have limited short-term responsiveness. This questions their potential usefulness to detect meaningful changes and manage subsequent training load and program adequate recovery.
Factors Affecting Climate-Smart Agriculture Practice Adaptation of Farming Households in Coastal Central Vietnam: The Case of Ninh Thuan Province
Authors: Duc Truong Dinh , Tho Dat Tran , Huy Huan Le
Published: July 2022

Agriculture is a sector with a long tradition and an important contribution to economic growth in Vietnam, providing food security and generating revenue for the country's exports. However, agricultural activities in Vietnam are significantly affected by climate change. In Vietnam, the central coastal area in general and Ninh Thuan province in particular are the most vulnerable areas to natural disasters. In that context, climate-smart agriculture (CSA) is a good strategy to help local famers coping with climate change while securing food security. This study has two main objectives: to assess farmers' awareness on disasters and to analyze factors affecting the decision to apply CSA practices of farming households in Ninh Thuan. The study conducted focus group discussion, in-depth interview and survey of 436 households in 3 districts of Ninh Thuan to collect data. Research results showed that local farmers have a high awareness of natural disasters trends and impacts on agricultural livelihoods. Facing with disasters in the context of climate change, farming households have applied some models of CSA such as minimal tillage, intercropping, crop rotation, crop transformation, and the use of plant varieties. Binary logit regression analysis indicated that age, education level, household income, membership of local associations, training attendance, and support policies were variables significantly influencing the farmers' decision to apply CSA. Challenges for CSA adoption include lack of capital, information, technical support and land ownership institutions in Vietnam. The study also made recommendations to promote CSA in Vietnam, including reforming the legal system, strengthening agricultural extension services, and providing technical and capital support to farmers.
Systematic Literature Review of Hearing Preservation Rates in Cochlear Implantation Associated With Medium- and Longer-Length Flexible Lateral Wall Electrode Arrays
Authors: Van de Heyning Paul H , Dazert Stefan , Gavilan Javier , Lassaletta Luis , Lorens Artur , Rajan Gunesh P , Skarzynski Henryk , Skarzynski Piotr H , Tavora-Vieira Dayse , Topsakal Vedat , Usami Shin-ichi , Van Rompaey Vincent , Weiss Nora M , Polak Marek
Published: July 2022

Background

The last two decades have demonstrated that preoperative functional acoustic hearing (residual hearing) can be preserved during cochlear implant (CI) surgery. However, the relationship between the electrode array length and postoperative hearing preservation (HP) with lateral wall flexible electrode variants is still under debate.

Aims/Objectives

This is a systematic literature review that aims to analyze the HP rates of patients with residual hearing for medium-length and longer-length lateral wall electrodes.

Method

A systematic literature review methodology was applied following the Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analysis (PRISMA) recommendations to evaluate the HP rates of medium-length and longer-length lateral wall electrodes from one CI manufacturer (medium length FLEX 24, longer length FLEX 28 and FLEX SOFT, MED-EL, Innsbruck, Austria). A search using search engine PubMed (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/) was performed using the search terms “hearing preservation” or “residual hearing” and “cochlear implant” in “All fields.” Articles published only in English between January 01, 2009 and December 31, 2020 were included in the search.

Results

The HP rate was similar between medium-length (93.4%–93.5%) and longer (92.1%–86.8%) electrodes at 4 months (p = 0.689) and 12 months (p = 0.219). In the medium-length electrode group, patients under the age of 45 years had better HP than patients above the age of 45 years.

Conclusions

Both medium-length and longer electrode arrays showed high hearing preservation rates. Considering the hearing deterioration over time, implanting a longer electrode at primary surgery should be considered, thus preventing the need for future reimplantation.
Experimental Animal Models for Moyamoya Disease: A Species-Oriented Scoping Review
Authors: Cao Lei , Dong Yang , Sun Kaiwen , Li Dongpeng , Wang Hao , Li Hongwei , Yang Bo
Published: July 2022

Moyamoya disease (MMD) is a rare cerebrovascular disease characterized by progressive stenosis of large intracranial arteries and a hazy network of basal collaterals called moyamoya vessels. The etiology and pathogenesis of MMD are still obscure. The biggest obstacles in the basic research of MMD are difficulty in obtaining specimens and the lack of an animal model. It is necessary to use appropriate and rationally designed animal models for the correct evaluation. Several animal models and methods have been developed to produce an effective MMD model, such as zebrafish, mice and rats, rabbits, primates, felines, canines, and peripheral blood cells, each with advantages and disadvantages. There are three mechanisms for developing animal models, including genetic, immunological/inflammatory, and ischemic animal models. This review aims to analyze the characteristics of currently available models, providing an overview of the animal models framework and the convenience of selecting model types for MMD research. It will be a great benefit to identify strategies for future model generations.
Photochemical, Anatomical, and Growth Changes in Cassava Cultivars after Application of Post-Emergent Herbicides
Authors: dos Santos Jania Claudia Camilo , Costa Renato Nunes , Silva Dayane Mércia Ribeiro , da Rocha Dougllas Ferreira , dos Santos Silva Lennon Klédson , da Silva Rudieli Machado , de Almeida Silva Marcelo , da Silva Júnior Pavão Jessé Marques , Silva José Vieira
Published: July 2022

Plants develop a series of adaptive mechanisms capable of tolerating the action of herbicides; however, little is known about the physiological mechanisms developed by cassava. The purpose of this research was to evaluate the influence of post-emergence herbicides on the physiological and anatomical characteristics of two cassava cultivars subjected to six herbicide treatments. The evaluations occurred at 0, 24, 48, 72, and 168 h after herbicide application. Herbicide application induced changes in the physiological and anatomical leaf profile. These changes were observed through the thickening of the leaf blade midrib caused by the herbicides fomesafen and fenoxaprop-p-ethyl in the Campinas cultivar. On the other hand, the leaves of the Sergipana cultivar showed a reduction in the thickness of the midrib tissues. Minor effects on cassava plants were observed with the herbicide fluazifop-p-butyl.
Effects of Agri-Environment Schemes in Terms of the Results for Soil, Water and Soil Organic Matter in Central and Eastern Europe
Authors: Poláková Jana , Holec Josef , Janků Jaroslava , Maitah Mansoor , Soukup Josef
Published: July 2022

Building on the agri-environment framework in Central and Eastern Europe, the article emphasizes the role and the use of the agri-environment in provision of different ecosystem services. It shows that relevant conservation measures with regard to ameliorating soil degradation contribute to the existence of sustainable land systems. In our study, we (i) identified what the soil water aggregate means, (ii) reviewed how agri-environment schemes (AES) function to support soil water requirements, and (iii) how appropriate soils are identified with regard to the implementation of soil conservation under the agri-environment. Empirical data were surveyed to assess AES as the pivotal subsidy in four countries: the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland, and Slovakia. Quantitative data were assessed to contribute to evidence on and the expenditure effect of the measures. This review found that AES schemes in arable land systems implement several approaches such as cover crops and the reversion of arable land systems to grassland. The costs of AE measures reflect the costs of the particular agri-environmental practice and its constraints on commercial performance by the farmer. The AES budget analysis showed that subsidization moderately increased over the 2000–2020 time frame. However, the magnitude of the AES budget is still largely overshadowed by generic subsidies at farm level.
CBL-Interacting Protein Kinase 2 Improves Salt Tolerance in Soybean (Glycine max L.)
Authors: Li Hui , Liu Zhen-Ning , Li Qiang , Zhu Wen-Li , Wang Xiao-Hua , Xu Ping , Cao Xue , Cui Xiao-Yu
Published: July 2022

Salt stress severely limits soybean production worldwide. Calcineurin B-like protein-interacting protein kinases (CIPKs) play a pivotal role in a plant’s adaption to salt stress. However, their biological roles in soybean adaption to salt stress remain poorly understood. Here, the GmCIPK2 expression was increased by NaCl and hydrogen peroxide (H2O2). GmCIPK2-overexpression Arabidopsis and soybean hairy roots displayed improved salt tolerance, whereas the RNA interference of hairy roots exhibited enhanced salt sensitivity. Further analyses demonstrated that, upon salt stress, GmCIPK2 enhanced the proline content and antioxidant enzyme activity and decreased the H2O2 content, malondialdehyde (MDA) content, and Na+/K+ ratios in soybean. Moreover, GmCIPK2 promoted the expression of salt- and antioxidant-related genes in response to salt stress. Moreover, the GmCIPK2-interacting sensor, GmCBL4, increased the salt tolerance of soybean hairy roots. Overall, these results suggest that GmCIPK2 functions positively in soybean adaption to salt stress.
The Role of Women on Dairy Goat Farms in Southern Spain
Authors: Arce Cristina , Díaz-Gaona Cipriano , Sánchez-Rodríguez Manuel , Sanz-Fernández Santos , López-Fariña Mª. Dolores , Rodríguez-Estévez Vicente
Published: July 2022

One of the factors involved in goat milk production is the role of women as farmers. The aim of this study was to evaluate the role of women on dairy goat farms, considering: (1) the profile of women occupationally involved, (2) the organization of the women’s work, (3) the degree of involvement by women in the decision-making on these farms, and (4) the influence of women’s work on productive results. This study was conducted on 52 dairy goat farms in southern Spain. A descriptive analysis and means comparisons were performed to describe the farms where any women were involved or not. In 61.5% of the farms, at least one woman was involved, with an age of 42.2 ± 8.8 years. Very few women were farm owners, although women took binding decisions in 81.25% of these farms. Their work is dedicated to milking and caring for the kids. Women had a positive influence on the productive variables analysed, and for mastitis in herds, the incidence was lower in herds where women participated (p < 0.01). In conclusion, it is recommended to include women’s work as a factor when characterizing dairy goats farms’ systems to evaluate their positive effect on a farm’s performance.