bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A review of treatments targeting DNA-repair gene defects in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer
Authors: Maslov Diana V. , Sember Quinne , Cham Jason , Bhangoo Munveer
Published: March 2023

Prostate cancer is the most common cancer in men. About 6% of those diagnosed will develop metastatic disease. Unfortunately, metastatic prostate cancer is fatal. Prostate cancer can be castration sensitive or castration resistant. Many treatments have been shown to improve progression free survival and overall survival in metastatic castration resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC). In recent years, studies have been exploring targeting mutations in the DNA Damage Repair (DDR) response that may amplify oncogenes. In this paper, we aim to discuss DDR, new approved targeted therapies, and the most recent clinical trials in the setting of metastatic CRPC.
Research Topic: Measurable Residual Disease in Hematologic Malignancies. Can digital droplet PCR improve measurable residual disease monitoring in chronic lymphoid malignancies?
Authors: Assanto Giovanni Manfredi , Del Giudice Ilaria , Della Starza Irene , Soscia Roberta , Cavalli Marzia , Cola Mattia , Bellomarino Vittorio , Di Trani Mariangela , Guarini Anna , Foà Robin
Published: March 2023

Minimal/measurable residual disease (MRD) monitoring is progressively changing the management of hematologic malignancies. The possibility of detecting the persistence/reappearance of disease in patients in apparent clinical remission offers a refined risk stratification and a treatment decision making tool. Several molecular techniques are employed to monitor MRD, from conventional real-time quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RQ-PCR) to next generation sequencing and digital droplet PCR (ddPCR), in different tissues or compartments through the detection of fusion genes, immunoglobulin and T-cell receptor gene rearrangements or disease-specific mutations. RQ-PCR is still the gold standard for MRD analysis despite some limitations. ddPCR, considered the third-generation PCR, yields a direct, absolute, and accurate detection and quantification of low-abundance nucleic acids. In the setting of MRD monitoring it carries the major advantage of not requiring a reference standard curve built with the diagnostic sample dilution and of allowing to reduce the number of samples below the quantitative range. At present, the broad use of ddPCR to monitor MRD in the clinical practice is limited by the lack of international guidelines. Its application within clinical trials is nonetheless progressively growing both in acute lymphoblastic leukemia as well as in chronic lymphocytic leukemia and non-Hodgkin lymphomas. The aim of this review is to summarize the accumulating data on the use of ddPCR for MRD monitoring in chronic lymphoid malignancies and to highlight how this new technique is likely to enter into the clinical practice.
The cholesterol-lowering effect of statins is modified by LILRB5 intolerance genotype: Results from a recruit-by-genotype clinical trial
Authors: Tornio Aleksi , Bigossi Margherita , Siddiqui Moneeza K. , Kennedy Gwen , Melhem Ala’a , Chourasia Mehul K. , Maroteau Cyrielle , Pola Roberto , Chasman Daniel I. , Doney Alexander S. F. , Palmer Colin N. A.
Published: March 2023

Background/Aims: Statin intolerance leads to poor adherence to statin therapy, resulting in a failure to achieve desired cholesterol reduction and adverse outcomes. The LILRB5 Asp247Gly genotype has been identified as being associated with statin intolerance and statin-induced myalgia. We conducted a randomized clinical trial to examine its role in immune response through T regulatory cell aggregation and in achieving cholesterol reduction targets.

Methods: A double-blind, cross-over, recruit-by-genotype trial was undertaken. A total of 18 participants who had either the Asp247Asp (T/T) genotype or the Gly247Gly (C/C) genotype were recruited to the study. Participants were randomised to receive placebo or atorvastatin 80 mg daily for 28 days. Following a washout period of 3 weeks, they were then switched to the opposite treatment. Biochemical and immunological measurements as well as interviews were performed prior to and after both treatment periods. Within genotype group comparisons were performed using repeated measures Wilcoxon tests. Two-way repeated measures ANOVA with genotype and treatment as factors were used to compare changes in biochemical parameters between groups during placebo and atorvastatin periods.

Results: Individuals with the Asp247Asp genotype had a greater increase in creatine kinase (CK) compared to those with Gly247Gly genotype in response to atorvastatin (p = 0.03). Those with Gly247Gly genotype had a mean non-HDL cholesterol reduction of 2.44 (95% CI:1.59 – 3.29) mmol/L while in Asp247Asp genotype group the mean reduction was 1.28 (95%CI: 0.48 – 2.07) mmol/L. The interaction between the genotype and atorvastatin treatment for total cholesterol (p = 0.007) and non-HDL cholesterol response was significant (p = 0.025). Immunological assessment showed no significant changes in aggregation of T regulatory cells by genotype.

Conclusion: The Asp247Gly variant in LILRB5, previously associated with statin intolerance, was associated with differential increases in creatine kinase and total cholesterol and non-HDL cholesterol-lowering response to atorvastatin. Taken together, these results suggest that this variant could have utility in precision cardiovascular therapy.
Efficacy of Perilla frutescens (L.) Britton var. frutescens extract on mild knee joint pain: A randomized controlled trial
Authors: Kim NamHoon , Kim Si-Yeon , Kim Sang-Woo , Lee Jung Min , Kim Sung-Kyu , Park Mi-Houn , Kim Ki-Hwan , Oh Minseok , Son Chang-Gue , Jung In Chul , Lee Eun-Jung
Published: March 2023

Objectives: This study aimed to evaluate the clinical efficacy and safety of PE extracts developed for the purpose of relieving pain and improving knee joint function on semi-healthy people with mild knee joint pain.

Methods: A randomized, double-blind, two-arm, single-center, placebo-controlled clinical trial was conducted. Individuals with knee joint pain and a visual analogue scale (VAS) score < 50 mm were included in the study, and participants with radiological arthritis were excluded. Participants were administered either PFE or a placebo capsule (700 mg, twice a day) orally for eight weeks. The comparisons of the changed VAS score and Western Ontario and McMaster Universities Osteoarthritis (WOMAC) scores between the PFE and placebo groups were primary outcomes, while the five inflammation-related laboratory tests including cartilage oligomeric matrix protein, cyclooxygenase-2, neutrophil and lymphocyte ratio, high sensitive C-reactive protein, and erythrocyte sedimentation rate were secondary outcomes. Also, a safety assessment was done.

Results: Eighty participants (mean age, 38.4 ± 14.0, male: female, 28:52) were enrolled; 75 completed the trial (PFE 36 and placebo 39). After eight weeks, both VAS and WOMAC scores were reduced in the PFE and placebo groups. The changed scores were significantly higher in the PFE group compared to the placebo group: 19.6 ± 10.9 vs. 6.8 ± 10.5; VAS scores (p < 0.001), and 20.5 ± 14.7 vs. 9.3 ± 16.5; total WOMAC scores (p < 0.01) including the sub-scores for pain, stiffness, and functions. No significant changes were reported in the five inflammation-related laboratory parameters. All adverse events were considered minor and unlikely to result from the intervention.

Conclusion: Eight weeks of PFE intake was more effective than placebo in reducing knee joint pain and improving knee joint function in sub-healthy people with mild knee joint pain, and there were no major safety concerns.

Clinical Trial Registration:https://cris.nih.go.kr/cris/search/detailSearch.do?search_lang=E&focus=reset_12&search_page=M&pageSize=10&page=undefined&seq=23101&status=5&seq_group=19745, identifier CRIS: KCT0007219
Yiqi Huazhuo decoction increases insulin secretion in type 2 diabetic rats by regulating the pancreatic GPR40-IP3R-1 signaling pathway
Authors: Wu Dongjiao , Weng Siying , Xu Shuyi , Li Yan , Zhou Jianyang
Published: March 2023

Objective: Yiqi Huazhuo Decoction (YD) reduces blood glucose, glycated hemoglobin, body weight, and insulin resistance in patients with type 2 diabetes mellitus (T2DM), but its exact mechanisms are unknown. This study investigated the therapeutic effects and mechanisms of YD on impaired insulin secretion in T2DM rats.

Methods: T2DM rats were randomized to the model, YD-lo (15 mg/kg/d YD, 10 weeks), YD-hi (30 mg/kg/d YD, 10 weeks), positive drug (TAK-875), and healthy control groups. The rats underwent an oral glucose tolerance test (OGTT), glucose-stimulated insulin secretion (GSIS) test, and serum lipid measurements. High-fat and high-glucose-injured RIN-m5f cells were treated with YD (30 or 150 mg/mL) for 48 h. GPR40 and IP3R-1 expression levels were determined by immunofluorescence, qRT-PCR, and western blot.

Results: Compared with the model group, the OGTT area under the curve (AUC) in the YD-hi group was decreased by 26.7%, the insulin release test (IRT) AUC in the YD-hi group was increased by 45.9%, and the GSIS AUC was increased by 33.9% (p < 0.05). Compared with the model cells, the insulin secretion after glucose stimulation in the YD-hi group was increased by 24.5%, similar to the TAK-875 group (23.1%) (p > 0.05). GPR40 and IP3R-1 mRNA in the model cells were decreased by 49.5% and 51.2% compared with the control cells (p < 0.05). In the YD-hi group, GPR40 and IP3R-1 mRNA levels were increased by 58.1% and 39.3% (p < 0.05), similar to the TAK-875 group. The changes in protein expression were similar to mRNA.

Conclusion: YD promotes insulin secretion from pancreatic islet β-cell in T2DM rats by regulating the GPR40-IP3R-1 pathway, thereby reducing blood glucose.
Differing hypertrophy patterns from open and closed kinetic chain training affect quadriceps femoris center of mass and moment of inertia
Authors: Earp Jacob E. , Angelino Domenic , Hatfield Disa L. , Colantuono Vincent , Jackson Euan R. , Morgan Kristin D. , Adami Alessandra , Melanson Kathleen J. , Blazevich Anthony J.
Published: March 2023

Purpose: To determine whether kinetic chain pattern during knee extensor strength training influences quadriceps femoris center of mass and moment of inertia about the hip in a predictable manner as such changes can affect running economy.

Methods: Twelve participants completed 8 weeks of both unilateral open (OKC) and closed (CKC) kinetic chain resistance training on opposing legs. Changes in quadriceps femoris muscle volume (VOLQF), center of mass location (CoMQF), and moment of inertia (IQF) about the hip were determined from magnetic resonance images scans. Regional hemodynamics of the vastus lateralis taken at 30% and 70% of muscle length during OKC and CKC bouts early in the training program were measured using near-infrared spectroscopy (NIRS) and used post hoc to predict changes in CoMQF.

Results: While increases in VOLQF were similar between OKC (Δ79.5 ± 87.9 cm3) and CKC (Δ60.2 ± 110.5 cm3, p = 0.29), the patterns of hypertrophy differed; a distal shift in CoMQF (Δ2.4 ± 0.4 cm, p < 0.001) and increase in IQF (Δ0.017 ± 0.014 kg m2, p < 0.001) occurred in OKC but not in CKC (CoMQF: Δ-2.2 ± 2.0 cm, IQF: Δ-0.022 ± 0.020 kg m2, p > 0.05). Regional hemodynamics assessed by NIRS during a single training session displayed similar exercise and regional differences and predicted 39.6% of observed changes in CoMQF.

Conclusions: Exercise selection influences muscle shape sufficiently to affect CoMQF and IQF, and these changes may be predicted in part from NIRS measurements during a single workout. Given IQF is inversely related to running economy and since CKC exercise provides a more proximal pattern of hypertrophy than OKC, it may be more preferential for running. The results from the present study also highlight the potential of NIRS as a tool for predicting patterns of hypertrophy between different exercises and exercise conditions.
Intelligent assistant diagnosis for pediatric inguinal hernia based on a multilayer and unbalanced classification model
Authors: Liu Zhi-Wen , Chen Gang , Dong Chao-Fan , Qiu Wang-Ren , Zhang Shou-Hua
Published: March 2023

As one of the most common diseases in pediatric surgery, an inguinal hernia is usually diagnosed by medical experts based on clinical data collected from magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), computed tomography (CT), or B-ultrasound. The parameters of blood routine examination, such as white blood cell count and platelet count, are often used as diagnostic indicators of intestinal necrosis. Based on the medical numerical data on blood routine examination parameters and liver and kidney function parameters, this paper used machine learning algorithm to assist the diagnosis of intestinal necrosis in children with inguinal hernia before operation. In the work, we used clinical data consisting of 3,807 children with inguinal hernia symptoms and 170 children with intestinal necrosis and perforation caused by the disease. Three different models were constructed according to the blood routine examination and liver and kidney function. Some missing values were replaced by using the RIN-3M (median, mean, or mode region random interpolation) method according to the actual necessity, and the ensemble learning based on the voting principle was used to deal with the imbalanced datasets. The model trained after feature selection yielded satisfactory results with an accuracy of 86.43%, sensitivity of 84.34%, specificity of 96.89%, and AUC value of 0.91. Therefore, the proposed methods may be a potential idea for auxiliary diagnosis of inguinal hernia in children.
Translating virome analyses to support biosecurity, on-farm management, and crop breeding
Authors: Alcalá Briseño Ricardo I. , Batuman Ozgur , Brawner Jeremy , Cuellar Wilmer J. , Delaquis Erik , Etherton Berea A. , French-Monar Ronald D. , Kreuze Jan F. , Navarrete Israel , Ogero Kwame , Plex Sulá Aaron I. , Yilmaz Salih , Garrett Karen A.
Published: March 2023

Virome analysis via high-throughput sequencing (HTS) allows rapid and massive virus identification and diagnoses, expanding our focus from individual samples to the ecological distribution of viruses in agroecological landscapes. Decreases in sequencing costs combined with technological advances, such as automation and robotics, allow for efficient processing and analysis of numerous samples in plant disease clinics, tissue culture laboratories, and breeding programs. There are many opportunities for translating virome analysis to support plant health. For example, virome analysis can be employed in the development of biosecurity strategies and policies, including the implementation of virome risk assessments to support regulation and reduce the movement of infected plant material. A challenge is to identify which new viruses discovered through HTS require regulation and which can be allowed to move in germplasm and trade. On-farm management strategies can incorporate information from high-throughput surveillance, monitoring for new and known viruses across scales, to rapidly identify important agricultural viruses and understand their abundance and spread. Virome indexing programs can be used to generate clean germplasm and seed, crucial for the maintenance of seed system production and health, particularly in vegetatively propagated crops such as roots, tubers, and bananas. Virome analysis in breeding programs can provide insight into virus expression levels by generating relative abundance data, aiding in breeding cultivars resistant, or at least tolerant, to viruses. The integration of network analysis and machine learning techniques can facilitate designing and implementing management strategies, using novel forms of information to provide a scalable, replicable, and practical approach to developing management strategies for viromes. In the long run, these management strategies will be designed by generating sequence databases and building on the foundation of pre-existing knowledge about virus taxonomy, distribution, and host range. In conclusion, virome analysis will support the early adoption and implementation of integrated control strategies, impacting global markets, reducing the risk of introducing novel viruses, and limiting virus spread. The effective translation of virome analysis depends on capacity building to make benefits available globally.
The combination of graphene oxide and preservatives can further improve the preservation of cut flowers
Authors: Wu Yuyang , Wang Yuerui , Wang Siyuan , Fan Xiaotan , Liu Yuran , Zhao Runxuan , Hou Haijiang , Zha Yixin , Zou Jinhua
Published: March 2023

It is reported that the use of nanomaterials can extend the vase life of fresh-cut flowers. Graphene oxide (GO) is one of these nanomaterials that aid in promoting water absorption and antioxidation during the preservation of fresh-cut flowers. In this investigation, the three mainstream brands of preservatives commercially available on the market (“Chrysal,” “Floralife,” and “Long Life”) in combination with low concentrations of GO (0.15 mg/L) were used to preserve fresh-cut roses. The results showed that the three brands of preservatives had different degrees of freshness retention. Compared to the preservatives used alone, the combination of low concentrations of GO with the preservatives, especially in the L+GO group (with 0.15 mg/L GO added in the preservative solution of “Long life”), further improved the preservation of cut flowers. L+GO group showed less level of antioxidant enzyme activities, lower ROS accumulation and cell death rate, and higher relative fresh weight than the other groups, implying a better antioxidant and water balance abilities. GO attached to the xylem duct of flower stem, and reduced the blockage of xylem vessels by bacteria, which were determined by SEM (scanning electron microscopy) and FTIR (Fourier transform infrared) analysis. XPS (X-ray photoenergy spectra) analysis results proved that GO could enter the interior of flower stem through xylem duct, and when combined with “Long Life,” the anti-oxidation protection ability of GO was enhanced, thus delaying ageing, and greatly extending the vase life of fresh-cut flowers. The study provides new insights into cut flower preservation using GO.
Image-based time series analysis to establish differential disease progression for two Fusarium head blight pathogens in oat spikelets with variable resistance
Authors: Pavicic Mirko , Mouhu Katriina , Hautsalo Juho , Jacobson Daniel , Jalli Marja , Himanen Kristiina
Published: March 2023

Oat-based value-added products have increased their value as healthy foodstuff. Fusarium head blight (FHB) infections and the mycotoxins accumulated to the oat seeds, however, pose a challenge to oat production. The FHB infections are predicted to become more prevalent in the future changing climates and under more limited use of fungicides. Both these factors increase the pressure for breeding new resistant cultivars. Until now, however, genetic links in oats against FHB infection have been difficult to identify. Therefore, there is a great need for more effective breeding efforts, including improved phenotyping methods allowing time series analysis and the identification of molecular markers during disease progression. To these ends, dissected spikelets of several oat genotypes with different resistance profiles were studied by image-based methods during disease progression by Fusarium culmorum or F. langsethiae species. The chlorophyll fluorescence of each pixel in the spikelets was recorded after inoculation by the two Fusarium spp., and the progression of the infections was analyzed by calculating the mean maximum quantum yield of PSII (Fv/Fm) values for each spikelet. The recorded values were (i) the change in the photosynthetically active area of the spikelet as percentage of its initial size, and (ii) the mean of Fv/Fm values of all fluorescent pixels per spikelet post inoculation, both indicative of the progression of the FHB disease. The disease progression was successfully monitored, and different stages of the infection could be defined along the time series. The data also confirmed the differential rate of disease progression by the two FHB causal agents. In addition, oat varieties with variable responses to the infections were indicated.
Towards grapevine root architectural models to adapt viticulture to drought
Authors: Fichtl Lukas , Hofmann Marco , Kahlen Katrin , Voss-Fels Kai P. , Cast Clément Saint , Ollat Nathalie , Vivin Philippe , Loose Simone , Nsibi Mariem , Schmid Joachim , Strack Timo , Schultz Hans Reiner , Smith Jason , Friedel Matthias
Published: March 2023

To sustainably adapt viticultural production to drought, the planting of rootstock genotypes adapted to a changing climate is a promising means. Rootstocks contribute to the regulation of scion vigor and water consumption, modulate scion phenological development and determine resource availability by root system architecture development. There is, however, a lack of knowledge on spatio-temporal root system development of rootstock genotypes and its interactions with environment and management that prevents efficient knowledge transfer into practice. Hence, winegrowers take only limited advantage of the large variability of existing rootstock genotypes. Models of vineyard water balance combined with root architectural models, using both static and dynamic representations of the root system, seem promising tools to match rootstock genotypes to frequently occurring future drought stress scenarios and address scientific knowledge gaps. In this perspective, we discuss how current developments in vineyard water balance modeling may provide the background for a better understanding of the interplay of rootstock genotypes, environment and management. We argue that root architecture traits are key drivers of this interplay, but our knowledge on rootstock architectures in the field remains limited both qualitatively and quantitatively. We propose phenotyping methods to help close current knowledge gaps and discuss approaches to integrate phenotyping data into different models to advance our understanding of rootstock x environment x management interactions and predict rootstock genotype performance in a changing climate. This could also provide a valuable basis for optimizing breeding efforts to develop new grapevine rootstock cultivars with optimal trait configurations for future growing conditions.
Why people hesitate to help: Neural correlates of the counter-dynamics of altruistic helping and individual differences in daily helping tendencies
Authors: Wijaya Vidya Gani , Oba Kentaro , Ishibashi Ryo , Sugiura Motoaki
Published: March 2023

Recent psychological and neuroimaging studies on altruism–egoism dilemmas have promoted our understanding of the processes underlying altruistic motivation; however, little attention has been paid to the egoistic counter-dynamics that prompt hesitancy to help. These counter-dynamics may involve the construction of reasons not to help based on contextual elaboration and explain individual differences in the tendency to help others in daily life. In this functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRI) study, we explored the neural correlates of altruism–egoism dilemmas during empathy-driven helping decisions, with particular attention to the counter-dynamics related to individual helping tendency traits. We used two context-rich helping decision scenarios. In the empathy dilemma (Emp) scenario, empathy-driven motivation to help a poor person was associated with a cost, whereas in the economic-dilemma (Eco) scenario, self-beneficial motivation to help a non-poor person was associated with a cost. Our results showed activation of the right anterior prefrontal cortices, supramarginal gyrus, and posterior cingulate cortex (PCC) for the altruism–egoism dilemma (i.e., Emp > Eco). A significant negative effect of the helping tendency trait score was observed on PCC activation; interestingly, this effect was observed for both Emp and Eco dilemmas. The identified neural correlates of altruism–egoism dilemmas appear to be related to the construction of decision reasons based on contextual elaboration in naturalistic situations. In contrast to the classical view, our results suggest a two-stage model that includes an altruistic helping decision followed by counter-dynamics to determine the individual helping tendency.
Chemotherapy, clocks, and the awareness of death: A quantitative phenomenological study
Authors: Moskalewicz Marcin , Kordel Piotr , Wiertlewska-Bielarz Jadwiga
Published: March 2023

Following a previous phenomenological study of lived time in ovarian cancer, this research aims to find how the frequency of chemotherapy affects orientation in time (the so-called “chemo-clock”) and the awareness of mortality of service users with various cancers. For this purpose, a variation of a front-loaded phenomenological method that combines scientific hypothesis testing with phenomenological insights of both conceptual and qualitative nature was developed. The study is based on a purposive quota sample of 440 participants representative of the Polish cancer population in terms of sex (m:f ratio 1:1) and age (m > 65 = 61%; f > 65 = 53%) and undergoing chemotherapy for at least a month. The exposure environmental factors of interest are temporal: the frequency of chemotherapy [weekly (N = 150), biweekly (N = 146), and triweekly (N = 144)] and time since the beginning of treatment. The study confirms the relevance of the “chemo-clock”—participants use the pace of hospital appointments for orientation in time, and significantly more often when in triweekly treatments (weekly 38%; biweekly 61%; triweekly 69.4%; V = 0.242, p < 0.001, while neither age nor time since the beginning of treatment differentiate the usage of calendar categories and the “chemo-clock”). Simultaneously, chemotherapy increases their awareness of finitude, which again correlates neither with age nor time since the beginning of treatment but is significantly stronger in those with lower chemotherapy frequencies. Lower treatment frequencies are thus associated with its increased significance in terms of its impact on how people with cancer measure time and whether they increasingly consider their mortality.
How do traditional masculinity ideologies and emotional competence relate to aggression and physical domestic violence in cisgender men?
Authors: Logoz Flora , Eggenberger Lukas , Komlenac Nikola , Schneeberger Michèle , Ehlert Ulrike , Walther Andreas
Published: March 2023

Background

Men are disproportionately often perpetrators of physical domestic violence (DV). Gender role constructs, such as traditional masculinity ideologies (TMI), are broadly accepted as an explanation for this effect. Emotional competence further constitutes an important role in TMI and the prevention of DV. However, the interactions between these constructs remains unclear.

Objective

The present study aims to investigate associations of TMI with aggression, DV perpetration, and emotional competence, while also examining emotional competence as a potential moderator.

Method

A sample of 428 cisgender men (Mage = 43.9 ± 15.3) from German-speaking countries in Europe completed an anonymous online survey that assessed TMI, aggression, and DV perpetration as well as alexithymia, emotion regulation, and self-compassion as indicators of emotional competence.

Results

Strong TMI were associated with high levels of aggression and overall reduced emotional competence, as reflected by high levels of alexithymia, frequent use of expressive suppression, and low levels of self-compassion. Strong conformity to TMI was associated with a higher likelihood for DV perpetration when considering relevant sociodemographic covariates. Moderation analyses revealed that expressive suppression buffered the association between TMI and DV perpetration.

Conclusion

Men with strong TMI report high levels of aggression and impaired emotional competence. While strong conformity to TMI was associated with more frequent perpetration of DV, higher expressive suppression seems to buffer the association between TMI and DV perpetration. The present study highlights the importance of addressing gender ideologies when working on aggression, DV perpetration and emotional competence in men.
The longitudinal association between children’s growth mindset in senior primary school and their parents’ growth mindset
Authors: Chen Jiao , Liu Chunhui
Published: March 2023

Growth mindset plays a positive role in children’s development, but few studies use longitudinal data to investigate the developmental trajectory of children’s growth mindset. In addition, previous studies have shown that there may be no intergenerational transmission of mindset, but the influence of parents’ growth mindset on the development and change of children’s growth mindset cannot be denied. Based on the abovementioned factors, the present study used a sample of fourth-grade primary school students and their parents in Beijing (N = 4,004), and five waves of longitudinal data over two-and-a-half years were collected to identify the trajectories of growth mindset in senior primary school with latent growth modeling and to examine the effects of parents’ growth mindset with a parallel process latent growth model. The results showed the following. (1) The growth mindset of the senior primary school children decreased over time, and there were significant individual differences in the initial level and growth of mindset. (2) Children in senior primary school showed higher levels of growth mindset after two-and-a-half years if their mothers reported higher levels of growth mindset in the beginning. Children showed higher levels of growth mindset after two-and-a-half years if their mothers’ growth mindset declined slower during this period, while they showed lower levels if their mothers’ growth mindset declined rapidly; when the mothers’ growth mindset declines, the children’s growth mindset would also show a downward trend during this time. Finally, (3) there was no significant relationship between both the initial level and the decline of the father’s growth mindset and the development pattern of the children’s growth mindset.
Exploring the role of soundscape in restorative experience: A pilot study from children’s perspective
Authors: Shu Shan
Published: March 2023

Indoor and outdoor noise is renowned for its ability to negatively affect children’s health and performance. However, the possible restorative benefits of everyday soundscapes in children are still poorly understood. This study aimed to explore the role of everyday soundscapes in children’s restorative experiences in frequented indoor (classroom) and outdoor (urban park) environments. In stage one, 335 children (7–12 years old) were interviewed using a questionnaire survey to investigate their restoration needs, restorative experience, and potential restorative sounds. In stage two, 61 children participated in a laboratory study to assess the perceived restorativeness of different soundscapes, which were combinations of potential restorative sounds and background noise, under signal-to-noise ratios (SNRs) from −5 to 15 dB. The findings denoted that the children’s need for restoration increased with age significantly. Younger children reported that the role of the sound environment was more important in their classroom experiences than in urban parks. Although the types of music displayed in surveyed parks were generally not preferred by the children, music was assessed as the most restorative sound in the laboratory study. Additionally, natural sounds were perceived to be more restorative than background noise in the context. In particular, birdsong showed more restorativeness in the classroom context, whereas fountain sounds showed more restorativeness in the park context. Additionally, an SNR of at least 5 dB is desirable when considering the restorative experiences of children in classrooms and urban parks.
Preliminary revision of the Physical Education Grit Scale in Chinese athletes
Authors: Zhang Renfang , Gao Shenmao , Dou Guangbo
Published: March 2023

Objective

The work aimed to revise the Physical Education Grit Scale (PE-Grit) applicable to Chinese athletes.

Methods

Five hundred and thirty-eight professional athletes from Chinese sports colleges and provincial sports teams were selected by cluster random sampling. Then, the PE-Grit was analyzed for project analysis, exploratory factor analysis, confirmatory factor analysis, criterion-related validity analysis, and reliability analysis.

Results

Independent sample t-test and item-total correlation analysis of the questions showed that 16 items of the scale had good discrimination. According to the confirmatory factor analysis model, the factor structure consisted of 2 subscales and 4 dimensions (χ2/df = 1.827; CFI = 0.961; TLI = 0.953; IFI = 0.961; RMSEA = 0.051). Moreover, Cronbach’s α of the total scale and the 4 dimensions were between 0.751 and 0.865. A significant positive correlation existed between the PE-Grit, and self-control, which showed good criterion-related validity.

Conclusion

Revised PE-Grit can measure Chinese athletes’ physical education grit for its good reliability and validity.
The impact of career expectation on employment anxiety of art students in higher vocational colleges during the COVID-19: A chain mediating role of social support and psychological capital
Authors: Zhao An
Published: March 2023

Objective

In the process of college students’ employment, psychological capital, and social support play a vital role.

Methods

This study examined the relationship between career expectation and employment anxiety of Chinese vocational art college students (N = 634). Participants completed the Career Expectation Scale (CES), Employment Anxiety Scale (EAS), Psychological Capital Scale (PCS), and Social Support Scale (SSS).

Results

(1) Vocational art students’ career expectation has a positive predictive effect on employment anxiety, social support, and psychological capital; Social support and psychological capital have negative predictive effects on employment anxiety. (2) Social support and psychological capital play a significant chain intermediary role between career expectation and employment anxiety, and there is a masking effect.

Conclusion

These results are of guiding significance to the improvement of the employment quality of art students in higher vocational colleges and the employment consulting work in colleges.
Study on effect of collaborative governance participation willingness of online food delivery platform restaurants and consumers from perspective of control theory: Based on moderating effects of perceived risks
Authors: Dai Xiaoting , Qin Ke , Wu Linhai
Published: March 2023

The popularization of the Internet and the convenience of e-commerce are driving the online restaurant industry’s rapid development of worldwide. However, serious information asymmetries in online food delivery (OFD) transactions not only aggravate food safety risks, resulting in simultaneous government and market failures, but also intensify consumers’ perceived risks. This paper innovatively constructs a research framework for the governance participation willingness of OFD platform restaurants and consumers under the moderating effects of perceived risks from the perspective of control theory and then develops scales for analyzing the governance willingness of both restaurants and consumers. Using data collected through a survey, this paper explores the effect of control elements on governance participation by restaurants and consumers and analyzes the moderating effects of perceived food safety risks. Results showed that both government regulations and restaurant reputation (formal control elements) and online complaints and restaurant management response (informal control elements) can increase governance participation willingness among both platform restaurants and consumers. The moderating effects of perceived risks are partially significant. When the risks perceived by restaurants and consumers are strong, government regulation and online complaints can more effectively boost the governance participation willingness of restaurants and consumers, respectively. At this moment, consumers’ willingness to pursue problem solving through online complaints is evidently enhanced. Accordingly, the perceived risks and the online complaints jointly motivate restaurants and consumers to participate in governance activities.
Examining the associations between difficulties in emotion regulation and symptomatic outcome measures among individuals with different mental disorders
Authors: Igra Libby , Shilon Sharon , Kivity Yogev , Atzil-Slonim Dana , Lavi-Rotenberg Adi , Hasson-Ohayon Ilanit
Published: March 2023

Background

Difficulties in emotion regulation (ER) abilities have been found to play a central role in different psychiatric disorders. However, researchers rarely compare ER across different diagnostic groups. In the current study, we examined ER and its relation to functional and symptomatic outcome among three distinct diagnostic groups: people with schizophrenia (SCZ), people with emotional disorders (EDs; i.e., depression and/or anxiety), and individuals without any psychiatric diagnosis (controls).

Methods

Participants in this study comprised 108 adults who requested psychotherapy at a community clinic in the year 2015 and between 2017 and 2019. Clients were interviewed and filled out questionnaires measuring depression, distress, and difficulties in ER abilities.

Results

Results showed that individuals with psychiatric diagnoses reported higher levels of difficulties in ER abilities than did controls. Moreover, there were very few differences in levels of ER difficulty between SCZ and EDs. Further, the associations between maladaptive ER and psychological outcomes were significant in each diagnostic group, and especially for SCZ.

Conclusion

Our study indicates that difficulties in ER abilities partially have a transdiagnostic nature, and that these difficulties are associated with psychological outcomes among both clinical populations and controls. There were very few differences in levels of ER ability difficulties between SCZ and EDs, suggesting that the two groups share difficulties in relating and responding to emotional distress. The associations between difficulties in ER abilities and outcome were more robust and stronger among SCZ than the other groups, highlighting the potential contribution of targeting ER abilities in the treatment of schizophrenia.
Maladaptive task-unrelated thoughts: Self-control failure or avoidant behavior? Preliminary evidence from an experience sampling study
Authors: Kornacka Monika , Skorupski Michał S. , Krejtz Izabela
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Task-unrelated thoughts (TUT) play an important role in everyday life functioning (e.g., anticipating the future, or providing a mental break). However, TUT might also be maladaptive, impairing cognitive performance emotion regulation, and increasing the risk of psychological disorders. In the present study, we aimed to test how self-reported control over TUT and task valence moderate the link between task difficulty and TUT intensity, testing the context regulation and avoidant alternative hypotheses of TUT occurrence.

Method

Forty-nine participants took part in an experience sampling study. They were asked to answer five times a day for 5 days a series of questions assessing the intensity, valence, control over TUT, and their momentary affect along with characteristics of the task they were currently performing. They also filled in trait questionnaires assessing their tendency to daydream, ruminate, and their beliefs on emotions' usefulness and controllability.

Results

The results showed that both task difficulty and one's lower control over thoughts along with their interaction significantly increased TUT intensity. Task negative valence significantly predicted TUT intensity and moderated the link between task difficulty and TUT intensity. In addition, the tendency to daydream and beliefs in the controllability of negative emotions affect the relations in this model.

Discussion

To the best of our knowledge, this study is the first to provide quantitative evidence from an experience sampling study on the role of the valence of currently performed tasks and beliefs on emotions on TUT intensity. It might be an important indication for research and clinical practice that maladaptive TUT might not be only linked to self-control failure but also to emotion regulation strategies one is using.
Face processing in young adults with autism and ADHD: An event related potentials study
Authors: Aydin Ümit , Cañigueral Roser , Tye Charlotte , McLoughlin Gráinne
Published: March 2023

Background

Atypicalities in perception and interpretation of faces and emotional facial expressions have been reported in both autism and attention-deficit/hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) during childhood and adulthood. Investigation of face processing during young adulthood (18 to 25 years), a transition period to full-fledged adulthood, could provide important information on the adult outcomes of autism and ADHD.

Methods

In this study, we investigated event-related potentials (ERPs) related to visual face processing in autism, ADHD, and co–occurring autism and ADHD in a large sample of young adults (N = 566). The groups were based on the Diagnostic Interview for ADHD in Adults 2.0 (DIVA-2) and the Autism Diagnostic Observation Schedule-2 (ADOS-2). We analyzed ERPs from two passive viewing tasks previously used in childhood investigations: (1) upright and inverted faces with direct or averted gaze; (2) faces expressing different emotions.

Results

Across both tasks, we consistently found lower amplitude and longer latency of N170 in participants with autism compared to those without. Longer P1 latencies and smaller P3 amplitudes in response to emotional expressions and longer P3 latencies for upright faces were also characteristic to the autistic group. Those with ADHD had longer N170 latencies, specific to the face-gaze task. Individuals with both autism and ADHD showed additional alterations in gaze modulation and a lack of the face inversion effect indexed by a delayed N170.

Conclusion

Alterations in N170 for autistic young adults is largely consistent with studies on autistic adults, and some studies in autistic children. These findings suggest that there are identifiable and measurable socio-functional atypicalities in young adults with autism.
The distribution and heterogeneity of excitability in focal epileptic network potentially contribute to the seizure propagation
Authors: Fan Denggui , Wu Hongyu , Luan Guoming , Wang Qingyun
Published: March 2023

Introduction

Existing dynamical models can explain the transmigration mechanisms involved in seizures but are limited to a single modality. Combining models with networks can reproduce scaled epileptic dynamics. And the structure and coupling interactions of the network, as well as the heterogeneity of both the node and network activities, may influence the final state of the network model.

Methods

We built a fully connected network with focal nodes prominently interacting and established a timescale separated epileptic network model. The factors affecting epileptic network seizure were explored by varying the connectivity patterns of focal network nodes and modulating the distribution of network excitability.

Results

The whole brain network topology as the brain activity foundation affects the consistent delayed clustering seizure propagation. In addition, the network size and distribution heterogeneity of the focal excitatory nodes can influence seizure frequency. With the increasing of the network size and averaged excitability level of focal network, the seizure period decreases. In contrast, the larger heterogeneity of excitability for focal network nodes can lower the functional activity level (average degree) of focal network. There are also subtle effects of focal network topologies (connection patterns of excitatory nodes) that cannot be ignored along with non-focal nodes.

Discussion

Unraveling the role of excitatory factors in seizure onset and propagation can be used to understand the dynamic mechanisms and neuromodulation of epilepsy, with profound implications for the treatment of epilepsy and even for the understanding of the brain.
Relationship of blood heavy metals and osteoporosis among the middle-aged and elderly adults: A secondary analysis from NHANES 2013 to 2014 and 2017 to 2018
Authors: Huang Zengfa , Wang Xiang , Wang Hui , Zhang Shutong , Du Xinyu , Wei Hui
Published: March 2023

Objective

This study aimed to assess the relationship between blood heavy metals and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in middle-aged and elderly US adults using the National Health and Nutritional Examination Surveys (NHANES).

Methods

The secondary data analysis was performed using the data of NHANES 2013–2014 and 2017–2018. We used the information, including physical examination, laboratory tests, questionnaires, and interviews, provided by participants in NHANES. Logistic regression and weighted quantile sum (WQS) regression models were used to explore the relationships between levels of blood heavy metals and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis.

Results

A total of 1,777 middle-aged and elderly participants were analyzed in this study, comprising 115 participants with osteoporosis and 1,662 without osteoporosis. Adjusted model 1 showed a significant positive relationship between cadmium (Cd) levels and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis (quartile 2, OR = 7.62; 95% CI, 2.01–29.03; p = 0.003; quartile 3, OR = 12.38; 95% CI, 3.88–39.60; p < 0.001; and quartile 4, OR = 15.64; 95% CI, 3.22–76.08; p = 0.001). The fourth quartile of selenium (Se) level (OR = 0.34; 95% CI, 0.14–0.39; p < 0.001) led to a lower prevalence of osteoporosis and exerted a protective effect on model 1. Other models produced similar results to those of model 1. A subgroup analysis showed that Cd levels were positively related to a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in all three models in women, while this relationship was not found in men. The fourth quartile of the Se level was related to a lower prevalence of osteoporosis in both male and female analyses. A significant positive relationship was found between the blood Cd level and a higher prevalence of osteoporosis in the non-smoking subgroup. Blood Se level showed a protective effect on the fourth quartile in both the smoking and non-smoking subgroups.

Conclusion

Blood Cd level aggravated the prevalence of osteoporosis, while blood Se level could be a protective factor in osteoporosis among the US middle-aged and older populations.