bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Different iPSC-derived neural stem cells shows various spectrums of spontaneous differentiation during long term cultivation
Authors: Galiakberova Adelya Albertovna , Brovkina Olga Igorevna , Kondratyev Nikolay Vitalyevich , Artyuhov Alexander Sergeevich , Momotyuk Ekaterina Dmitrievna , Kulmukhametova Olga Nikolaevna , Lagunin Alexey Aleksandrovich , Shilov Boris Vladimirovich , Zadorozhny Anton Dmitrievich , Zakharov Igor Sergeevitch , Okorokova Larisa Sergeevna , Golimbet Vera Evgenievna , Dashinimaev Erdem Bairovich
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Culturing of human neural stem cells (NSCs) derived from induced pluripotent stem cells (iPSC) is a promising area of research, as these cells have the potential to treat a wide range of neurological, neurodegenerative and psychiatric diseases. However, the development of optimal protocols for the production and long-term culturing of NSCs remains a challenge. One of the most important aspects of this problem is to determine the stability of NSCs during long-term in vitro passaging. To address this problem, our study was aimed at investigating the spontaneous differentiation profile in different iPSC-derived human NSCs cultures during long-term cultivation using.

Methods

Four different IPSC lines were used to generate NSC and spontaneously differentiated neural cultures using DUAL SMAD inhibition. These cells were analyzed at different passages using immunocytochemistry, qPCR, bulk transcriptomes and scRNA-seq.

Results

We found that various NSC lines generate significantly different spectrums of differentiated neural cells, which can also change significantly during long-term cultivation in vitro.

Discussion

Our results indicate that both internal (genetic and epigenetic) and external (conditions and duration of cultivation) factors influence the stability of NSCs. These results have important implications for the development of optimal NSCs culturing protocols and highlight the need to further investigate the factors influencing the stability of these cells in vitro.
Combination of multi-modal MRI radiomics and liquid biopsy technique for preoperatively non-invasive diagnosis of glioma based on deep learning: protocol for a double-center, ambispective, diagnostical observational study
Authors: Hu Ping , Xu Ling , Qi Yangzhi , Yan Tengfeng , Ye Liguo , Wen Shen , Yuan Dalong , Zhu Xinyi , Deng Shuhang , Liu Xun , Xu Panpan , You Ran , Wang Dongfang , Liang Shanwen , Wu Yu , Xu Yang , Sun Qian , Du Senlin , Yuan Ye , Deng Gang , Cheng Jing , Zhang Dong , Chen Qianxue , Zhu Xingen
Published: May 2023

Background

2021 World Health Organization (WHO) Central Nervous System (CNS) tumor classification increasingly emphasizes the important role of molecular markers in glioma diagnoses. Preoperatively non-invasive “integrated diagnosis” will bring great benefits to the treatment and prognosis of these patients with special tumor locations that cannot receive craniotomy or needle biopsy. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) radiomics and liquid biopsy (LB) have great potential for non-invasive diagnosis of molecular markers and grading since they are both easy to perform. This study aims to build a novel multi-task deep learning (DL) radiomic model to achieve preoperative non-invasive “integrated diagnosis” of glioma based on the 2021 WHO-CNS classification and explore whether the DL model with LB parameters can improve the performance of glioma diagnosis.

Methods

This is a double-center, ambispective, diagnostical observational study. One public database named the 2019 Brain Tumor Segmentation challenge dataset (BraTS) and two original datasets, including the Second Affiliated Hospital of Nanchang University, and Renmin Hospital of Wuhan University, will be used to develop the multi-task DL radiomic model. As one of the LB techniques, circulating tumor cell (CTC) parameters will be additionally applied in the DL radiomic model for assisting the “integrated diagnosis” of glioma. The segmentation model will be evaluated with the Dice index, and the performance of the DL model for WHO grading and all molecular subtype will be evaluated with the indicators of accuracy, precision, and recall.

Discussion

Simply relying on radiomics features to find the correlation with the molecular subtypes of gliomas can no longer meet the need for “precisely integrated prediction.” CTC features are a promising biomarker that may provide new directions in the exploration of “precision integrated prediction” based on the radiomics, and this is the first original study that combination of radiomics and LB technology for glioma diagnosis. We firmly believe that this innovative work will surely lay a good foundation for the “precisely integrated prediction” of glioma and point out further directions for future research.

Clinical trail registration

This study was registered on ClinicalTrails.gov on 09/10/2022 with Identifier NCT05536024.
Status and correlates of food and nutrition literacy among parents-adolescents’ dyads: findings from 10 Arab countries
Authors: Hoteit Maha , Mansour Rania , Mohsen Hala , Bookari Khlood , Hammouh Fadwa , Allehdan Sabika , AlKazemi Dalal , Al Sabbah Haleama , Benkirane Hasnae , Kamel Iman , Qasrawi Radwan , Tayyem Reema ,   the regional food literacy group
Published: May 2023

Background

Food literacy is capturing the attention worldwide and gaining traction in the Arab countries. Strengthening food and nutrition literacy among Arab teenagers are important promising empowering tools which can protect them from malnutrition. This study aims to assess the nutrition literacy status of adolescents with the food literacy of their parents in 10 Arab countries.

Methods

This cross-sectional study involving a convenient sample of 5,401 adolescent-parent dyads (adolescents: mean age ± SD: 15.9 ± 3.0, females: 46.8%; parents: mean age ± SD: 45.0 ± 9.1, mothers: 67.8%) was launched between 29 April and 6 June 2022 in 10 Arab nations. The Adolescent Nutrition Literacy Scale (ANLS) and the Short Food Literacy Questionnaire (SFLQ) were used to meet the study aims.

Results

More than one-quarter (28%) of adolescents had poor nutrition literacy, with 60% of their parents being food illiterate. The top three countries with nutritionally” less literate” adolescents were Qatar (44%), Lebanon (37.4%), and Saudi Arabia (34.9%). Adolescents’ age, gender, education level, primary caregivers, employment status, and the inclusion of nutrition education in the schools’ curriculum predicted the nutrition literacy levels of Arab adolescents. Besides, parental weight status, health status, parent’s food literacy level, and the number of children per household were significant determinants too. Adolescents studying at a university and having parents with adequate food literacy had the highest odds of being nutritionally literate (OR = 4.5, CI = 1.8–11.5, p = 0.001, OR = 1.8, CI = 1.6–2.1, p < 0.001, respectively).

Conclusion

Nutrition literacy inadequacy among Arab adolescents is a prioritized challenge to be tackled.
Can change in phase angle predict the risk of morbidity and mortality during an 18-year follow-up period? A cohort study among adults
Authors: Langer Raquel D. , Ward Leigh C. , Larsen Sofus C. , Heitmann Berit L.
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Phase angle (PhA, degrees), measured via bioimpedance (BIA, 50 kHz), is an index that has been used as an indicator of nutritional status and mortality in several clinical situations. This study aimed to determine the relationship between 6-year changes in PhA and total mortality as well as the risk of incident morbidity and mortality from cardiovascular disease (CVD) and coronary heart disease (CHD) during 18 years of follow-up among otherwise healthy adults.

Methods

A random subset (n = 1,987) of 35–65 years old men and women was examined at the baseline in 1987/1988 and 6 years later in 1993/1994. Measures included weight, height, and whole-body BIA, from which PhA was calculated. Information on lifestyle was obtained through a questionnaire. The associations between 6-year PhA changes (ΔPhA) and incident CVD and CHD were assessed by Cox proportional hazard models. The median value of ΔPhA was used as the reference value. The hazard ratio (HR) model and confidence intervals (CIs) of incident CVD and CHD were used according to the 5th, 10th, 25th, 50th, 75th, 90th, and 95th percentiles of ΔPhA.

Results

During 18 years of follow-up, 205 women and 289 men died. A higher risk of both total mortality and incident CVD was present below the 50th percentile (Δ = −0.85°). The highest risk was observed below the 5th percentile (ΔPhA = −2.60°) in relation to total mortality (HR: 1.55; 95% CI: 1.10–2.19) and incident CVD (HR: 1.52; 95% CI: 1.16–2.00).

Discussion

The larger the decrease in PhA, the higher the risk of early mortality and incident CVD over the subsequent 18 years. PhA is a reliable and easy measure that may help identify those apparently healthy individuals who may be at increased risk of future CVD or dying prematurely. More studies are needed to confirm our results before it can be definitively concluded that PhA changes can improve clinical risk prediction.
Comparison of NK cell subsets, receptors and functions induced by radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in HBV-associated primary hepatocellular carcinoma
Authors: Wang Hai-Yan , Cui Xiong-Wei , Zhang Yong-Hong , Chen Yu , Lu Ning-Ning , Sheng Shou-Peng , Gao Wen-Feng , Yang Xiao-Zheng , Duan Zhong-Ping
Published: May 2023

Background

Topical therapy has been shown to induce an immune response in patients with hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC). In this study, a prospective parallel group control experiment was conducted to compare the differences between radiofrequency ablation and microwave ablation in inducing the immune regulation of NK cells.

Methods

Sixty patients with clinically and pathologically confirmed hepatitis B-associated hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) were selected for thermal ablation. Patients were randomly assigned into the MWA group (n = 30) and the RFA group (n = 30). Patient’s peripheral blood was isolated on days D0, D7, and month M1. NK cell subsets, receptors, and killing function were detected by flow cytometry and LDH. Student t test and rank sum test were used to compare the statistical differences between the RFA (radio frequency) and MWA (microwave) groups. The Kaplan-Meier curve and log-rank test were used to calculate the difference between the two survival curves.

Results

Comparison of the frequency of CD3-CD56+ and CD3-CD56+CD16+ in NK cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference in the D0, D7, M1, D7-D0, M1-D0, and M1-D7 groups. The changes of the inhibitory NK cell receptor CD159A were significantly different at D7 (P<0.05). CD107a were compared between the RFA and WMA groups, indicating that CD107a changes induced by NK cells were significantly different at D7-D0 (P<0.05). Comparison of NK cell lysis activity of target K562 cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference at D0, D7, D7-D0. There was no difference in recurrence-free survival (RFS) between the RFA and WMA groups (P=0.11).

Conclusions

The difference between MWA and RFA-induced NK cell changes was mainly manifested in the inhibitory receptors CD159a and CD107a 1 week after surgery, with microwave-induced changes being more severe. Comparison of the NK cell lysis activity of the target K562 cells between the RFA and WMA groups showed that there was no difference in D0, D7, D7- D0. Survival analysis showed that these differences did not affect the recurrence-free survival (RFS) in the two groups.
Surgical and oncological management of renal medullary carcinoma in a young patient: a case report
Authors: Courcier Jean , De La Taille Alexandre , Bertolo Riccardo , Amparore Daniele , Erdem Selcuk , Kara Onder , Marchioni Michele , Pavan Nicola , Roussel Eduard , Mamodaly Maria , Campi Riccardo , Ingels Alexandre
Published: May 2023

Renal medullary carcinoma (RMC) is a rare form of renal cell carcinoma that has a poor prognosis. It is known to be associated with sickle cell trait or disease, although the exact underlying mechanisms are still unclear. The diagnosis is made through immunochemical staining for SMARCB1 (INI1). In this report, we present a case of a 31-year-old male patient with sickle cell trait who was diagnosed with stage III right RMC. Despite the poor prognosis, the patient survived for a remarkable duration of 37 months. Radiological assessment and follow-up were primarily performed using 18F-FDG PET/MRI. The patient underwent upfront cisplatin-based cytotoxic chemotherapy before surgical removal of the right kidney and retroperitoneal lymph node dissection. Identical adjuvant chemotherapy was administered post-surgery. Disease relapses were detected in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes; these were managed with chemotherapy and surgical rechallenges. We also discuss the oncological and surgical management of RMC, which currently relies on perioperative cytotoxic chemotherapy strategies, as there are no known alternative therapies that have been shown to be superior to date.
Identification of a seven-lncRNAs panel that serves as a prognosis predictor and contributes to the malignant progression of laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Zheng Xiwang , Gao Wei , Zhang Zhe , Xue Xuting , Mijiti Maierhaba , Guo Qingbo , Wusiman Dilinaer , Wang Kai , Zeng Xianhai , Xue Lingbin , Guo Zekun , An Changming , Wu Yongyan
Published: May 2023

Background

Laryngeal squamous cell carcinoma (LSCC) is one of the most frequent head and neck cancers worldwide. Long non-coding RNAs (lncRNAs) play a critical role in tumorigenesis. However, the clinical significance of lncRNAs in LSCC remains largely unknown.

Methods

In this study, transcriptome sequencing was performed on 107 LSCC and paired adjacent normal mucosa (ANM) tissues. Furthermore, RNA expression and clinical data of 111 LSCC samples were obtained from The Cancer Genome Atlas (TCGA) database. Bioinformatics analysis were performed to construct a model for predicting the overall survival (OS) of LSCC patients. Moreover, we investigated the roles of lncRNAs in LSCC cells through loss-of-function experiments.

Results

A seven-lncRNAs panel including ENSG00000233397, BARX1-DT, LSAMP-AS1, HOXB-AS4, MNX1-AS1, LINC01385, and LINC02893 was identified. The Kaplan–Meier analysis demonstrated that the seven-lncRNAs panel was significantly associated with OS (HR:6.21 [3.27-11.81], p-value<0.0001), disease-specific survival (DSS) (HR:4.34 [1.83-10.26], p-value=0.0008), and progression-free interval (PFI) (HR:3.78 [1.92-7.43], p-value=0.0001). ROC curves showed the seven-lncRNAs panel predicts OS with good specificity and sensitivity. Separately silencing the seven lncRNAs inhibited the proliferation, migration, and invasion capacity of LSCC cells.

Conclusion

Collectively, this seven-lncRNAs panel is a promising signature for predicting the prognosis of LSCC patients, and these lncRNAs could serve as potential targets for LSCC treatment.
Comparison of clinicopathological characteristics and long-term survival between patients with gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma and pure gallbladder adenocarcinoma after curative-intent surgery: a single-center experience in China and a meta-analysis
Authors: Lv Tian-Run , Liu Fei , Liang Zuo-Yu , Zou Rui-Qi , Ma Wen-Jie , Hu Hai-Jie , Li Fu-Yu
Published: May 2023

Objective

The aim of the study was to evaluate the similarities and differences between gallbladder adenosquamous carcinoma (GBASC) and pure gallbladder adenocarcinoma (GBAC).

Methods

Patients with GBASC and GBAC from 2010 to 2020 were analyzed in terms of clinicopathological features and long-term survival. Moreover, a meta-analysis was also performed for further validation.

Results

Our experience: A total of 304 patients with resected GBC were identified, including 34 patients with GBASC and 270 patients with GBAC. Patients with GBASC had a significantly higher preoperative CA199 level (P <0.0001), a significantly higher incidence of liver invasion (P <0.0001), a relatively larger tumor size (P = 0.060), and a significantly higher proportion of patients with T3–4 (P <0.0001) or III–IV disease (P = 0.003). A comparable R0 rate was obtained between two groups (P = 0.328). A significantly worse overall survival (OS) (P = 0.0002) or disease-free survival (DFS) (P = 0.0002) was observed in the GBASC. After propensity score matching, comparable OS (P = 0.9093) and DFS (P = 0.1494) were obtained. Clear margin (P = 0.001), node metastasis (P <0.0001), T stage (P <0.0001), and postoperative adjuvant chemoradiotherapy (P <0.0001) were independent prognostic factors for OS for the entire cohort. Adjuvant chemoradiotherapy had a survival benefit for patients with GBAC, while the survival benefit was still being validated in patients with GBASC. Meta-analysis: With our cohort incorporated, a total of seven studies involving 1,434 patients with GBASC/squamous carcinoma (SC) were identified. GBASC/SC shared a worse prognosis (P <0.00001) and more aggressive tumor biological features than GBAC.

Conclusion

GBASC/SC shared more aggressive tumor biological features and a much worse prognosis than those with pure GBAC.
Abnormal lipid metabolism in cancer-associated cachexia and potential therapy strategy
Authors: Fang Ruoxin , Yan Ling , Liao Zhengkai
Published: May 2023

Cancer-associated cachexia (CAC) is a major characteristic of advanced cancer, associates with almost all types of cancer. Recent studies have found that lipopenia is an important feature of CAC, and it even occurs earlier than sarcopenia. Different types of adipose tissue are all important in the process of CAC. In CAC patients, the catabolism of white adipose tissue (WAT) is increased, leading to an increase in circulating free fatty acids (FFAs), resulting in “ lipotoxic”. At the same time, WAT also is induced by a variety of mechanisms, browning into brown adipose tissue (BAT). BAT is activated in CAC and greatly increases energy expenditure in patients. In addition, the production of lipid is reduced in CAC, and the cross-talk between adipose tissue and other systems, such as muscle tissue and immune system, also aggravates the progression of CAC. The treatment of CAC is still a vital clinical problem, and the abnormal lipid metabolism in CAC provides a new way for the treatment of CAC. In this article, we will review the mechanism of metabolic abnormalities of adipose tissue in CAC and its role in treatment.
A meta-analysis: retrograde intrarenal surgery vs. percutaneous nephrolithotomy in children
Authors: Yuan Yi , Liang Yan-nei , Li Kai-feng , Ho Yi-ru , Wu Qian-long , Zhao Zhang
Published: May 2023

Backgrounds

The increasing prevalence of pediatric kidney stones worldwide makes minimally invasive lithotripsy like retrograde intrarenal surgery (RIRS) and percutaneous Nephrolithotomy (PCNL) more prevalent. However, their safety and efficacy are controversial. Consequently, a meta-analysis of the comparison between RIRS and PCNL is conducted.

Methods

Clinical trials were selected from PubMed, EMBASE, Scopus, and Cochrane Library databases. The data extraction and study quality assessment were performed by two individuals independently. The data relating to therapeutic effects were extracted and analyzed by Review manager 5.4.

Results

Thirteen studies involving 1,019 patients were included. The micro-PCNL excelled in stone-free rate (P = 0.003), postoperative fever rate (P = 0.02), and Clavien–Dindo II complications (P = 0.05). Notably, the mean age of the micro-PCNL group was younger than other groups (P = 0.0005). The operation time in mini-PCNL was longer than RIRS (P < 0.00001) but with high heterogeneity (I2 = 99%). There was no difference in Clavien–Dindo I, II, and III complications between the PCNL and the RIRS, but mini-PCNL showed a higher probability than RIRS in Clavien–Dindo I (P = 0.0008) and II complications (P = 0.007).

Conclusions

Compared with RIRS, micro-PCNL could be a better therapeutic option for kidney stones in children. Of note, more parameters should be analyzed to illustrate the efficacy of different minimally invasive surgeries for pediatric kidney stones due to poor cases in our study.

Systematic Review Registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/#recordDetails, PROSPERO CRD42022323611
Potential pharmacological mechanisms of four active compounds of Macleaya cordata extract against enteritis based on network pharmacology and molecular docking technology
Authors: Yang Pingrui , Zhong Chonghua , Huang Huan , Li Xifeng , Du Lin , Zhang Lifang , Bi Shicheng , Du Hongxu , Ma Qi , Cao Liting
Published: May 2023

Background:Macleaya cordata extract (MCE) is effective in the treatment of enteritis, but its mechanism has not been fully elucidated. Therefore, this study combined network pharmacology and molecular docking technologies to investigate the potential pharmacological mechanism of MCE in the treatment of enteritis.

Methods: The information of active compounds in MCE was accessed through the literature. Furthermore, PubChem, PharmMapper, UniProt, and GeneCards databases were used to analyze the targets of MCE and enteritis. The intersection of drug and disease targets was imported into the STRING database, and the analysis results were imported into Cytoscape 3.7.1 software to construct a protein–protein interaction (PPI) network and to screen core targets. The Metascape database was used for conducting Gene Ontology (GO) enrichment and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes (KEGG) pathway analyses. AutoDock Tools software was used for the molecular docking of active compounds with the core targets.

Results: MCE has four active compounds, namely, sanguinarine, chelerythrine, protopine, and allocryptopine, and a total of 269 targets after de-duplication. Furthermore, a total of 1,237 targets were associated with enteritis, 70 of which were obtained by aiding the drug–disease intersection with the aforementioned four active compound targets of MCE. Five core targets including mitogen-activated protein kinase 1 (MAPK1) and AKT serine/threonine kinase 1 (AKT1) were obtained using the PPI network, which are considered the potential targets for the four active compounds of MCE in the treatment of enteritis. The GO enrichment analysis involved 749 biological processes, 47 cellular components, and 64 molecular functions. The KEGG pathway enrichment analysis revealed 142 pathways involved in the treatment of enteritis by the four active compounds of MCE, among which PI3K-Akt and MAPK signaling pathways were the most important pathways. The results of molecular docking showed that the four active compounds demonstrated good binding properties at the five core targets.

Conclusion: The pharmacological effects of the four active compounds of MCE in the treatment of enteritis involve acting on signaling pathways such as PI3K-Akt and MAPK through key targets such as AKT1 and MAPK1, thus providing new indications for further research to verify its mechanisms.
Genome-wide analysis of HSF family and overexpression of PsnHSF21 confers salt tolerance in Populus simonii × P. nigra
Authors: Guo Qing , Wei Ran , Xu Min , Yao Wenjing , Jiang Jiahui , Ma Xujun , Qu Guanzheng , Jiang Tingbo
Published: May 2023

Heat shock transcription factor (HSF) is an important TF that performs a dominant role in plant growth, development, and stress response network. In this study, we identified a total of 30 HSF members from poplar, which are unevenly distributed on 17 chromosomes. The poplar HSF family can be divided into three subfamilies, and the members of the same subfamily share relatively conserved domains and motifs. HSF family members are acidic and hydrophilic proteins that are located in the nucleus and mainly carry out gene expansion through segmental replication. In addition, they have rich collinearity across plant species. Based on RNA-Seq analysis, we explored the expression pattern of PtHSFs under salt stress. Subsequently, we cloned the significantly upregulated PtHSF21 gene and transformed it into Populus simonii × P. nigra. Under salt stress, the transgenic poplar overexpressing PtHSF21 had a better growth state and higher reactive oxygen scavenging ability. A yeast one-hybrid experiment indicated PtHSF21 could improve salt tolerance by specifically binding to the anti-stress cis-acting element HSE. This study comprehensively profiled the fundamental information of poplar HSF family members and their responses to salt stress and specifically verified the biological function of PtHSF21, which provides clues for understanding the molecular mechanism of poplar HSF members in response to salt stress.
Can policies improve language vitality? The Sámi languages in Sweden and Norway
Authors: Lloyd-Smith Anika , Bergmann Fabian , Hund Laura , Kupisch Tanja
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Language policies are often aimed at changing language behaviours, yet it is notoriously difficult to assess their effects. This study investigates language use and competence in the Indigenous Sámi populations of Norway and Sweden in light of the national-level policies the two countries have adopted.

Methods

We provide a cross-country comparison of relevant educational, linguistic and budgetary policies in Sweden and Norway. Next, we present novel data from a survey with 5,416 Sámi and non-Sámi participants in 20 northern municipalities, examining Sámi language use and proficiencies across generations and contexts. Lexical proficiency in North Sámi was tested in a small subset of participants.

Results

Sámi language use has dropped considerably over the past three generations. Only a small proportion of Sámi are highly fluent and use a Sámi language with their children (around 4% in Sweden and 11% in Norway). One fifth of Sámi adults use a Sámi language at least ‘occasionally’, and use is most common in the home context. Sámi language knowledge remains negligible in the majority population.

Discussion

The higher levels of language use and proficiency in Norway seem at least in part to reflect the more favourable policies adopted there. In both countries, more work is needed to increase speaker numbers, also in the majority population.
Analysis of communication styles underpinning clinical decision-making in cancer multidisciplinary team meetings
Authors: Soukup Tayana , Lamb Benjamin W. , Green James S. A. , Sevdalis Nick , Murtagh Ged
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In cancer care, multidisciplinary team (MDT) meetings are the gold standard. While they are trying to maximize productivity on the back of the steadily increasing workload, growing cancer incidence, financial constraints, and staff shortages, concerns have been raised with regards to the quality of team output, as reported by Cancer Research UK in 2017: “Sometimes we discuss up to 70 patients. This is after a whole day of clinics, and we do not finish until after 19.00. Would you want to be number 70?”. This study aimed to explore systematically some of the dynamics of group interaction and teamwork in MDT meetings.

Materials and methods

This was a prospective observational study conducted across three MDTs/university hospitals in the United Kingdom. We video-recorded 30 weekly meetings where 822 patient cases were reviewed. A cross-section of the recordings was transcribed using the Jefferson notation system and analyzed using frequency counts (quantitative) and some principles of conversation analysis (qualitative).

Results

We found that, across teams, surgeons were the most frequent initiators and responders of interactional sequences, speaking on average 47% of the time during case discussions. Cancer nurse specialists and coordinators were the least frequent initiators, with the former speaking 4% of the time and the latter speaking 1% of the time. We also found that the meetings had high levels of interactivity, with an initiator–responder ratio of 1:1.63, meaning that for every sequence of interactions initiated, the initiator received more than a single response. Lastly, we found that verbal dysfluencies (laughter, interruptions, and incomplete sentences) were more common in the second half of meetings, where a 45% increase in their frequency was observed.

Discussion

Our findings highlight the importance of teamwork in planning MDT meetings, particularly with regard to Cancer Research UK in 2017 cognitive load/fatigue and decision-making, the hierarchy of clinical expertise, and the increased integration of patients' psychosocial information into MDT discussion and their perspectives. Utilizing a micro-level methodology, we highlight identifiable patterns of interaction among participants in MDT meetings and how these can be used to inform the optimization of teamwork.
Emotionally focused couple therapy in cancer survivor couples with marital and sexual problems: a replicated single-case experimental design
Authors: van Diest Selma L. , den Oudsten Brenda L. , Aaronson Neil K. , Beaulen Audrey , Verboon Peter , Aarnoudse Berry , van Lankveld Jacques J. D. M.
Published: May 2023

Objective

The current research examined the effect of Emotionally Focused Couples Therapy (EFCT) on perceived intimacy, affect, and dyadic connection in cancer survivor couples with relationship challenges.

Method

In this longitudinal replicated single-case study, positive and negative affect, intimacy, partner responsiveness, and expression of attachment-based emotional needs were reported every 3 days before and during treatment. Thirteen couples, with one partner having survived colorectal cancer or breast cancer, participated for the full duration of the study. Statistical analysis of the data was performed using randomization tests, piecewise regression, and multilevel analyses.

Results

Adherence to the therapeutic protocol was tested and found adequate. Compared with baseline, significant positive effects on affect variables were found during the therapeutic process. Positive affect increased and negative affect decreased. Partner responsiveness, perceived intimacy, and the expression of attachment-based emotional needs improved, but only in the later phase of treatment. Results at the group level were statistically significant, whereas effects at the individual level were not.

Discussion

This study found positive group-level effects of EFCT on affect and dyadic outcome measures in cancer survivors. The positive results warrant further research, including randomized clinical trials, to replicate these effects of EFCT in cancer survivor couples experiencing marital and sexual problems.
Association of adverse childhood experiences and depression among medical students: the role of family functioning and insomnia
Authors: Tao Hongxia , Zeng Xin , Hou Mutian , Chen Shanping , Shen Jing , Liao Xiaoyang , Zou Chuan
Published: May 2023

Background

Few studies have explored the mechanisms linking adverse childhood experiences (ACEs) to depression in medical students. This study aimed to investigate the relationship between ACEs and depression through the serial mediation effect of family functioning and insomnia.

Methods

A cross-sectional survey was conducted with 368 medical students from university in Chengdu in 2021. The participants were asked to complete four self-report questionnaires, including ACEs scale, the family APGAR index, the ISI and PHQ-9. Singe and serial mediation analyses were conducted using structural equation modeling by Mplus 8.3.

Results

ACEs had a significant direct effect on depression (β = 0.438, p < 0.001) and through three significantly indirect pathways: (1) through family functioning (β = 0.026, 95% CI: 0.007–0.060), accounting for 5.9% of the total effect; (2) through insomnia (β = 0.103, 95% CI: 0.011–0.187), accounting for 23.5% of the total effect; and (3) through the serial mediators involving in family functioning and insomnia (β = 0.038, 95% CI: 0.015–0.078), accounting for 8.7% of the total effect. The total indirect effect was 38.1%.

Limitations

This cross-sectional study prevented us from establishing causality.

Conclusion

This study highlights the role of family functioning and insomnia as serial mediators of the relationship between ACEs and depression. Findings help to elucidate the mechanism that underlines the pathway between ACEs and depression in medical students. These findings may indicate developing measures to strengthen family functioning and improve insomnia aiming to reduce depression in medical students with ACEs.
Symbolic and non-symbolic predictors of number line task in Italian kindergarteners
Authors: Meloni Carla , Delogu Franco , Fanari Rachele
Published: May 2023

The number line estimation task (NLE) is often used as a predictor for broader measures of mathematical achievement. In spite of its popularity, it is still not clear whether the task is based on symbolic or non-symbolic numerical competence. In particular, there is only a very limited amount of studies investigating the relationship between NLE performance and symbolic vs. non-symbolic math skills in children who have not yet begun formal schooling. This study investigates the strength of the association between NLE performance and symbolic and non-symbolic tasks in young kindergarteners. Ninety two 5-year-old children completed the NLE task (range 0–100) and a battery of early numerical competence tests including symbolic-lexical tasks, symbolic semantic tasks, and non-symbolic semantic tasks. The relationship between symbolic and non-symbolic early numerical competence and NLE performance was analyzed using a regression model based on the Bayesian Information Criterion (BIC). Results show that only symbolic semantic tasks are significant predictors of NLE performance. These results suggest that symbolic numerical knowledge is involved in number line processing among young children, whilst non-symbolic knowledge is not. This finding brings new data to the debate on the relationship between non-symbolic numeral knowledge and symbolic number processing and supports the evidence of a primary role of symbolic number processing already in young kindergarteners.
Language and face in interactions: emotion perception, social meanings, and communicative intentions
Authors: Liu Mingya , Schwab Juliane , Hess Ursula
Published: May 2023

Introduction

Human emotions can be complex to interpret as they have multiple sources and are often times ambiguous, for example, when the signals sent by different channels of communication are inconsistent. Our study investigates the interaction of linguistic and facial expressions of emotions.

Methods

In two experiments, participants read short scenarios in German containing a direct utterance with positive or negative emotive markers, in combination with different facial expressions as still images of the speaker (i.e., the protagonist in the story). They answered questions about their perception regarding the intensity of the emotions (e.g., happiness, sadness), the properties of the expresser (e.g., honesty, warmth, likeability) and their relation to the addressee (e.g., closeness), as well as the expresser intention (e.g., irony, joke).

Results

The findings suggest that facial expressions have a more dominant role in the emotion perception in comparison to emotive markers. Furthermore, consistent and inconsistent combinations of emotive markers and facial expressions convey distinct social meanings and communicative intentions.

Conclusion

This research points to the importance to consider emotive markers in the emotional context that they occur in.
Chronic pain and problematic substance use for veterans during COVID-19: the moderating role of psychological flexibility
Authors: Reilly Erin D. , Wolkowicz Noah R. , Heapy Alicia , Ross MacLean R. , Duarte Brooke A. , Chamberlin Elizabeth S. , Harris J. Irene , Shirk Steven D. , Kelly Megan M.
Published: May 2023

Background

Chronic pain and problematic substance use are commonly co-occurring and highly detrimental issues that are especially prevalent in U.S. veteran populations. Although COVID-19 made clinical management of these conditions potentially difficult, some research suggests that certain veterans with these conditions did not experience this period as negatively as others. It is thus important to consider whether resilience factors, such as the increasingly-studied process of psychological flexibility, might have led to better outcomes for veterans managing pain and problematic substance use during this time of global crisis.

Methods

This planned sub-analysis of a larger cross-sectional, anonymous, and nationally-distributed survey (N = 409) was collected during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. Veteran participants completed a short screener and battery of online surveys assessing pain severity and interference, substance use, psychological flexibility, mental health functioning, and pandemic-related quality of life.

Results

For veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use, the pandemic resulted in a significant lowering of their quality of life related to meeting basic needs, emotional health, and physical health compared to veterans with problematic substance use but no chronic pain diagnosis. However, moderation analyses revealed that veterans with these comorbid conditions experienced less negative impacts from the pandemic on quality of life and mental health when they reported greater psychological flexibility. For veterans with problematic substance use only, psychological flexibility was also related to better mental health functioning, but did not significantly correlate with their quality of life.

Conclusion

Results highlight how COVID-19 differentially impacted veterans with both problematic substance use and chronic pain, such that this group reported particularly negative impacts of the pandemic on multiple areas of quality of life. However, our findings further emphasize that psychological flexibility, a modifiable resiliency process, also buffered against some of the negative impacts of the pandemic on mental health and quality of life. Given this, future research into the impact of natural crises and healthcare management should investigate how psychological flexibility can be targeted to help increase resiliency for veterans with chronic pain and problematic substance use.
Thinking action as a performative and participative mental awareness
Authors: Ziegler Renatus , Weger Ulrich
Published: May 2023

This paper seeks to evaluate experiential facets of thinking action using first-person phenomenological methods. We begin our considerations using a simple mathematical proof as a case study—and also employ phenomenological contrasts between different types of thinking. They reveal that thinking actions produce performative insights rather than dispositional or remembered knowledge. This distinction allows us to introduce a new mode of thinking that is different from most known types of thinking, namely pure thinking action. The performative nature of this pure thinking action is participative and receptive with respect to concepts and has the quality of being persistent and coherent during its episode of action. Moreover, it is the often unattended source of thinking everyday life.
Shifting social norms to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Tanzania: what we can learn from intervention development research
Authors: Howard-Merrill Lottie , Zimmerman Cathy , Sono Revocatus , Riber John , Wamoyi Joyce , Pawlak Piotr , Rolleri Insignares Lori , Yaker Robyn , Buller Ana Maria
Published: May 2023

This paper reflects on the development process (2015–2020) of the Learning Initiative for Norms, Exploitation, and Abuse (LINEA) Intervention. The LINEA Intervention is a multi-component social norms intervention to prevent age-disparate transactional sex in Tanzania. This paper aims to: (1) critically reflect on the LINEA Intervention development process by retrospectively comparing it with a pragmatic, phased framework for intervention development in public health, the Six Essential Steps for Quality Intervention Development (6SQuID); and (2) discuss the usefulness and applicability of this framework to guide intervention development for gender-based violence prevention. This paper contributes to a growing field of intervention development research to improve the designs of interventions to prevent gender-based violence. Findings showed that the LINEA Intervention development approach mostly aligned with the steps in 6SQuID framework. However, the LINEA Intervention development process placed particular emphasis on two phases of the 6SQuID framework. First, the LINEA Intervention development process included significant investment in formative research, feasibility testing, and refinement; and second, the LINEA Intervention was informed by a clearly articulated behavior change theory—social norms theory. Beyond the 6SQuID framework the LINEA Intervention development process: (i) followed a non-linear, iterative process; (ii) applied ongoing feasibility testing to refine the intervention, and (iii) relied on co-development with local implementers and participants. This paper suggests future components for a robust intervention development process, highlighting beneficial additions to the 6SQuID approach, a well-recognized intervention development sequence. Particularly useful additions include incorporating sufficient time, flexibility, and resources to foster meaningful collaborations and iteration on the intervention design.
Genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder: a review
Authors: Ji Qi , Li Si-Jia , Zhao Jun-Bo , Xiong Yun , Du Xiao-Hui , Wang Chun-Xiang , Lu Li-Ming , Tan Jing-Yao , Zhu Zhi-Ru
Published: May 2023

Background

The incidence of sleep disorders in children with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) is very high. Sleep disorders can exacerbate the development of ASD and impose a heavy burden on families and society. The pathological mechanism of sleep disorders in autism is complex, but gene mutations and neural abnormalities may be involved.

Methods

In this review, we examined literature addressing the genetic and neural mechanisms of sleep disorders in children with ASD. The databases PubMed and Scopus were searched for eligible studies published between 2013 and 2023.

Results

Prolonged awakenings of children with ASD may be caused by the following processes. Mutations in theMECP2, VGATandSLC6A1genes can decrease GABA inhibition on neurons in the locus coeruleus, leading to hyperactivity of noradrenergic neurons and prolonged awakenings in children with ASD. Mutations in theHRH1, HRH2, andHRH3genes heighten the expression of histamine receptors in the posterior hypothalamus, potentially intensifying histamine’s ability to promote arousal. Mutations in theKCNQ3andPCDH10genes cause atypical modulation of amygdala impact on orexinergic neurons, potentially causing hyperexcitability of the hypothalamic orexin system. Mutations in theAHI1,ARHGEF10,UBE3A, andSLC6A3genes affect dopamine synthesis, catabolism, and reuptake processes, which can elevate dopamine concentrations in the midbrain. Secondly, non-rapid eye movement sleep disorder is closely related to the lack of butyric acid, iron deficiency and dysfunction of the thalamic reticular nucleus induced byPTCHD1gene alterations. Thirdly, mutations in theHTR2A, SLC6A4,MAOA, MAOB,TPH2,VMATs,SHANK3,andCADPS2genes induce structural and functional abnormalities of the dorsal raphe nucleus (DRN) and amygdala, which may disturb REM sleep. In addition, the decrease in melatonin levels caused byASMT,MTNR1A, andMTNR1Bgene mutations, along with functional abnormalities of basal forebrain cholinergic neurons, may lead to abnormal sleep–wake rhythm transitions.

Conclusion

Our review revealed that the functional and structural abnormalities of sleep–wake related neural circuits induced by gene mutations are strongly correlated with sleep disorders in children with ASD. Exploring the neural mechanisms of sleep disorders and the underlying genetic pathology in children with ASD is significant for further studies of therapy.
A case study of group art therapy using digital media for adolescents with intellectual disabilities
Authors: Kim Jinkyung , Chung Yeo Ju
Published: May 2023

Introduction

In art therapy, digital art therapy is a new method in which clients use digital media to express themselves creatively. We wanted to explore what this means for adolescents with disabilities. The purpose of this qualitative case study was to explain what kind of experience they had when digital media was applied as an expressive and therapeutic medium in group art therapy in which adolescents with intellectual disabilities were participants and what kind of therapeutic meaning the experience had. We tried to know the therapeutic factors by extracting the implications of meaning.

Methods

Participants were second-year high school students with intellectual disabilities who belonged to special classes. They were selected in an intentional purposive sampling method. Five teenagers with intellectual disabilities participated in 11 group art therapy sessions. Data were collected through interviews, observation, and digital artwork collection. Collected data were case studies analyzed using an inductive approach. In this study, the use of digital media was defined and utilized as “Digital Art Therapy” by setting the scope related to the study according to client’s behavioral method.

Results

As a digital generation accustomed to smartphones, the participants gained confidence by repeatedly acquiring new technologies through familiarity with the media. Interaction with the media through touch and the use of apps have promoted autonomy with interest and pleasure to disabled teenagers, allowing them to express themselves actively. In particular, digital art therapy induces a holistic sensory experience by mobilizing visual images that could represent various expressions, emotions felt in music and tactile senses that made texts for people with intellectual disabilities with difficulty in verbal communication.

Discussion

Art therapy using digital media has become an important experience that provides opportunities to arouse curiosity, enjoy creative activities, and express positive emotions vividly to adolescents with intellectual disabilities who have difficulties with expression and communication and a sense of lethargy. Therefore, it is suggested that an in-depth understanding of the characteristics and differences between traditional and digital media is necessary, and that complementary use to help create therapeutic purposes and art therapy is important.
Degradation learning and Skip-Transformer for blind face restoration
Authors: Cheikh Sidiya Ahmed , Xu Xuan , Xu Ning , Li Xin
Published: May 2023

Blindrestoration of low-quality faces in the real world has advanced rapidly in recent years. The rich and diverse priors encapsulated by pre-trained face GAN have demonstrated their effectiveness in reconstructing high-quality faces from low-quality observations in the real world. However, the modeling of degradation in real-world face images remains poorly understood, affecting the property of generalization of existing methods. Inspired by the success of pre-trained models and transformers in recent years, we propose to solve the problem of blind restoration by jointly exploiting their power for degradation and prior learning, respectively. On the one hand, we train a two-generator architecture for degradation learning to transfer the style of low-quality real-world faces to the high-resolution output of pre-trained StyleGAN. On the other hand, we present a hybrid architecture, called Skip-Transformer (ST), which combines transformer encoder modules with a pre-trained StyleGAN-based decoder using skip layers. Such a hybrid design is innovative in that it represents the first attempt to jointly exploit the global attention mechanism of the transformer and pre-trained StyleGAN-based generative facial priors. We have compared our DL-ST model with the latest three benchmarks for blind image restoration (DFDNet, PSFRGAN, and GFP-GAN). Our experimental results have shown that this work outperforms all other competing methods, both subjectively and objectively (as measured by the Fréchet Inception Distance and NIQE metrics).