bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Age-Associated Dysregulation of Integrin Function in Vascular Smooth Muscle
Authors: Ojha Krishna Raj , Shin Song Yi , Padgham Samuel , Leon Olmedo Frida , Guo Bohong , Han Gang , Woodman Christopher , Trache Andreea 
Published: July 2022

Arterial aging results in a progressive reduction in elasticity of the vessel wall and an impaired ability of aged blood vessels to control local blood flow and pressure. Recently, a new concept has emerged that the stiffness and decreased contractility of vascular smooth muscle (VSM) cells are important contributors to age-induced arterial dysfunction. This study investigated the hypothesis that aging alters integrin function in a matrix stiffness-dependent manner, which contributes to decreased VSM contractility in aged soleus muscle feed arteries (SFA). The effect of RGD-binding integrins on contractile function of cannulated SFA isolated from young (4 months) and old (24 months) Fischer 344 rats was assessed by measuring constrictor responses to norepinephrine, phenylephrine, and angiotensin II. Results indicated that constrictor responses in presence of RGD were impaired in old compared to young SFA. VSM cells isolated from young and old SFA were used for functional experiments using atomic force microscopy and high-resolution imaging. Aging was associated with a modulation of integrin β1 recruitment at cell-matrix adhesions that was matrix and substrate stiffness dependent. Our data showed that substrate stiffening drives altered integrin β1 expression in aging, while soft substrates abolish age-induced differences in overall integrin β1 expression. In addition, substrate stiffness and matrix composition contribute to the modulation of SMα-actin cytoskeleton architecture with soft substrates reducing age effects. Our results provide new insights into age-induced structural changes at VSM cell level that translates to decreased functionality of aged resistance soleus feed arteries.
Write and Let Go: An Online Writing Program for University Students
Authors: Batista João , Marinai Janine C. , Gouveia Melissa , Oliveira João Tiago , Gonçalves Miguel M. 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundThere are a plethora of studies on expressive writing and positive writing interventions, but few have addressed the combination of both paradigms. Additionally, research on the role of ambivalence toward change in the context of writing-based interventions is lacking. Ambivalence toward change is a natural movement of approaching and avoiding change that may occur in various situations. In psychotherapy, its resolution is associated with successful outcomes.AimThis study tested the efficacy of a combination of expressive and positive writing paradigms in an internet-based intervention to improve university students’ mental health. Additionally, focusing participants on a current, unresolved problem allowed us to explore the possible role of ambivalence toward change as a mediator of the intervention’s results.MethodsWe recruited 172 participants who were randomly divided into experimental (n = 85) and control (n = 87) groups. The intervention consisted of the identification of a current problem and four writing tasks on consecutive days. Assessment was conducted at baseline and posttest in both groups and at follow-up in the experimental group. Participants in the experimental condition were also assessed after each task. Measures of anxiety, depression, rumination, ambivalence toward change, distress, and wellbeing (optimism, affect, and satisfaction with life) were collected.ResultsMultivariate analysis of variance (MANOVA) showed that participants in the experimental group had a significant decrease from baseline to posttest in ambivalence toward change and rumination when compared with the control group. These results were maintained at follow-up. No differences were found in the remaining measures. Within the experimental group, ambivalence toward change, rumination, and distress significantly decreased throughout the intervention and the exploratory mediation analysis indicated that ambivalence toward change partially mediated the improvements in rumination and distress.DiscussionConsidering different perspectives about a current problem and using a combination of expressive and positive writing fostered the reduction of ambivalence toward change and rumination. Ambivalence toward change reduction after the second writing task may have created optimal conditions for the subsequent decrease in rumination and distress. Future studies should replicate this finding and dismantle the components that are more adequate in changing these variables.
Brain Stimulation and Group Therapy to Improve Gesture and Social Skills in Schizophrenia—The Study Protocol of a Randomized, Sham-Controlled, Three-Arm, Double-Blind Trial
Authors: Chapellier Victoria , Pavlidou Anastasia , Mueller Daniel R. , Walther Sebastian 
Published: July 2022

An important component of nonverbal communication is gesture performance, which is strongly impaired in 2/3 of patients with schizophrenia. Gesture deficits in schizophrenia are linked to poor social functioning and reduced quality of life. Therefore, interventions that can help alleviate these deficits in schizophrenia are crucial. Here, we describe an ongoing randomized, double-blind 3-arm, sham-controlled trial that combines two interventions to reduce gesture deficits in schizophrenia patients. The combined interventions are continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) and social cognitive remediation therapy (SCRT). We will randomize 72 patients with schizophrenia spectrum disorders in three different groups of 24 patients. The first group will receive real cTBS and real SCRT, the second group will receive sham cTBS and real SCRT, and finally the third group will receive sham SCRT. Here, the sham treatments are, as per definition, inactive interventions that mimic as closely as possible the real treatments (similar to placebo). In addition, 24 age- and gender-matched controls with no interventions will be added for comparison. Measures of nonverbal communication, social cognition, and multimodal brain imaging will be applied at baseline and after intervention. The main research aim of this project will be to test whether the combination of cTBS and SCRT improves gesture performance and social functioning in schizophrenia patients more than standalone cTBS, SCRT or sham psychotherapy. We hypothesize that the patient group receiving the combined interventions will be superior in improving gesture performance.Clinical Trial Registration[www.ClinicalTrials.gov], identifier [NCT04106427].
The Interplay Between Poor Sleep and Work-Related Health
Authors: Fietze Ingo , Rosenblum Lisa , Salanitro Matthew , Ibatov Alexey Danilovich , Eliseeva Marina Vladimirovna , Penzel Thomas , Brand Désirée , Westermayer Gerhard 
Published: July 2022

ObjectivesSleep disorders can arise from work. Employees who experience work overload are more likely to develop sleep problems. Poor sleep leads to decreased performance, sick leave, and accidents. Therefore, sleep disorders may be linked to workplace hazards as well as decreased occupational health, however, the relationship remains unknown.MethodsThis relationship was examined using secondary data analysis of aggregated survey data from 97 companies based in Germany between 2003 and 2020 as part of Workplace Health Management project. Two extreme groups with respect to sleep problems were analyzed (N = 4,865 + 9,795). The survey “Diagnosis of corporate health” contained 137 individual questions which recorded all relevant working conditions, aspects of health, and one question relating to insomnia traits. A one-way analysis of variance was used to examine whether and to what extent the potentials, hazards, and health aspects differed between employees depending on their perceived sleep problems. In addition, multiple linear regressions were used to determine whether and to what extent work characteristics affect various health aspects for both good and poor sleepers.ResultsIn total, 49.7% of staff reported moderate difficulty falling and/or remaining asleep. These poor sleepers perceived all health potentials worse than good sleepers, especially on scales such as fair assessment, work climate, and learning at work. Furthermore, poor sleepers perceived health hazards (physical environmental stress, job insecurity, and time pressure) more whilst positive health indicators (joy of work and confidence) were perceived less.ConclusionOverall, the determination of sleep difficulties could be used as a substantial health indicator. Also, these sleep problems are reported more frequently in certain occupations compared to others, which could mean that the perception of sleep health varies between professions. Therefore, it is important to implement specific recommendations for each industry in order to improve working conditions for poor sleepers which in turn, improves their health.
Stressful Life Events and Chronic Fatigue Among Chinese Government Employees: A Population-Based Cohort Study
Authors: Qiu Dan , He Jun , Li Yilu , Li Ruiqi , Ouyang Feiyun , Li Ling , Luo Dan , Xiao Shuiyuan 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundCurrently, evidence on the role of stressful life events in fatigue among the Chinese working adults is lacking. This study aimed at exploring the prospective associations between stressful life events and chronic fatigue among Chinese government employees.MethodsFrom January 2018 to December 2019, a total of 16206 government employees were included at baseline and they were followed-up until May 2021. A digital self-reported questionnaire platform was established to collect information on participants' health and covariates. Life events were assessed by the Life Events Scale (LES), fatigue was assessed by using a single item, measuring the frequency of its occurrence. Binary logistic regression analysis was used for the data analysis.ResultsOf the included 16206 Chinese government employees at baseline, 60.45% reported that they experienced negative stressful life events and 43.87% reported that they experienced positive stressful life events over the past year. Fatigue was reported by 7.74% of the sample at baseline and 8.19% at follow-up. Cumulative number of life events at baseline, and cumulative life events severity score at baseline were positively associated with self-reported fatigue at follow up, respectively. After adjusting sociodemographic factors, occupational factors and health behavior related factors, negative life events at baseline (OR: 2.06, 95% CI: 1.69–2.51) were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue at follow-up. Some specific life events including events related to work and events related to economic problems were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue. Specifically, work stress (OR = 1.76, 95%CI: 1.45–2.13), as well as not satisfied with the current job (OR = 1.95, 95%CI: 1.58–2.40), in debt (OR = 1.75, 95%CI: 1.40–2.17) were significantly associated with self-reported fatigue. The economic situation has improved significantly (OR = 0.62, 95%CI: 0.46–0.85) at baseline was significantly associated with lower incidence of self-reported fatigue.ConclusionNegative stressful life events were associated with fatigue among Chinese government employees. Effective interventions should be provided to employees who have experienced negative stressful life events.
An Assessment Framework for the Training of General Practitioners and Specialists Based on EPAs
Authors: Gao Shenshen , Li Na , Wang Xinqiong , Yu Yi , Zhao Ren , Trigo Virgínia , Ramalho Nelson Campos 
Published: July 2022

PurposeThe purpose of this study is to explore the practicality and feasibility of EPA (level 4 theory) for establishing medical training and service model in China.MethodWe opted for a mixed qualitative and quantitative research method, considering both explanatory and exploratory sequential designs. The qualitative research comprehended focus groups and interviews conducted with two panels of experts. The quantitative research was conducted to collect data about the applicability of international entrustable professional activities (EPAs) pediatrics standards in the Chinese context by organizing a seminar with a sample of 60 pediatricians. A questionnaire was designed with EPAs and distributed within professional networks. Structural equation modeling and statistical analysis were used to process the data.ResultsIn this study, Medical Service-Groups Model (MSGM) with four levels was successfully established to measure the correlation between specialized and general EPAs. As expected, results showed that specialized EPAs were built on top of general EPAs. There may be a mediating mechanism that general EPAs contribute to the lower level of specialization EPAs. In addition, levels 1 and 2 were primarily needed to lay the groundwork for levels 3 and 4, and these higher levels of EPAs were still the most informative for specialized Gastroenterology EPAs.ConclusionsThe diagnosis and treatment level of primary general practitioners, as the basis of the pediatric medical service chain, affected the clinical disposal ability of specialists. The establishment of MSGM provided a theoretical basis for the linkage training of general practitioners and specialist physicians. In future studies, scholars must explore China's EPAs based on unique national conditions.
Afternoon Napping Durations in Chinese Population Over 60 Years Old: Longitudinal Associations With Cognitive Performance
Authors: Li Chao , Yan Yan 
Published: July 2022

IntroductionPrevious studies indicated inconsistent associations between daytime napping and cognitive decline. This study aimed to examine the associations between self-reported changes in napping and longitudinal cognitive performance.MethodsA national representative sample of 4,024 participants over 60 was obtained from the China Health and Retirement Longitudinal Study from 2011 to 2018. Afternoon napping and potential factors were collected by a questionnaire. Cognitive performance was assessed on three aspects. The generalized additive models and generalized estimating equations were used to examine relationships between daytime napping and longitudinal global cognition, and generalized linear models were used to examine the longitudinal associations between change in napping at four waves and cognition in wave 4.ResultsAfter controlling the potential confounders, participants with afternoon napping were significantly related to better global cognition than no nappers at baseline. A change from short napping to no/long napping was associated with worse cognitive performance (β = −2.593, P &lt; 0.001). A move from no napping to short/long napping was also associated with lower cognition scores (β = −0.694, P &lt; 0.001). For participants with moderate napping, a &gt;30 min increase (β = −1.558, P &lt; 0.001) in afternoon napping was associated with worse cognitive function in wave 4.ConclusionWe observed that adults over 60 years old with napping &lt;30 min per day may be at lower risk of cognitive decline. Change in napping, especially a move to extreme napping would be a risk marker underlying health conditions that impact cognition or go along with cognitive decline.
Causes of Death in Long-Term Nasopharyngeal Carcinoma Survivors
Authors: Yang Shi-Ping , Rao Ming-Yue , Chen Qing-Shuang , Zhou Ping , Lian Chen-Lu , Wu San-Gang 
Published: July 2022

PurposeTo assess the causes of death (COD) and long-term survival after nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) diagnosis.MethodsUsing linked data from the Surveillance, Epidemiology, and End Results program, patients with NPC diagnosed from 1990 to 2010 and followed up &gt;5 years were identified. Chi-squared test, the Kaplan–Meier method, and the Cox proportional hazard model were used for analyses.ResultsAmong the 3,036 long-term NPC survivors, 1,432 survived for &gt;5–10 years and 1,604 survived for &gt;10 years. The most common COD was primary NPC (36.9%), followed by other causes (28.7%), other cancers (15.3%), cardiac disease (12.9%), and non-malignant pulmonary disease (6.2%). With a median follow-up of 125 months, deaths from NPC decreased with increasing time from diagnosis, while death because of cardiac disease and other causes increased. In those aged &lt;50 years, death due to NPC remained the main COD over time, while cardiopulmonary disease-related death was the leading COD in patients aged ≥50 years. In White patients, death due to NPC decreased, and death due to cardiac disease increased over time. Death from NPC remained significant in Black and Asian patients even 15 years after the diagnosis of NPC, while death due to cardiac disease significantly increased after 9 years of diagnosis in Black patients. Multivariate analyses showed that the independent factors associated with inferior NPC-specific survival were older age, Asians, American Indian/Alaska Native, regional stage, distant stage, and diagnosis in the early years.ConclusionsThe probability of death from primary NPC remains significant even 15 years after the NPC diagnosis. Our study advocates continued surveillance for NPC survivors beyond the traditional 5 years. Individualized follow-up strategies are required for patients with NPC of different ages and races.
Imposing Compulsory Rugby Union on Schoolchildren: An Analysis of English State-Funded Secondary Schools
Authors: White Adam John , Batten John , Howarth Nathan E. , Magrath Rory , Piggin Joe , Millward Pete , Parry Keith D. , Lang Melanie , Bullingham Rachael , Pearce Alan J. , Morales Luis , Turner Gary , Humphries Connor Tyler , Hardwicke Jack , Anderson Eric , Kirkwood Graham , Pollock Allyson 
Published: July 2022

ObjectiveTo establish the extent to which Rugby Union was a compulsory physical education activity in state-funded secondary schools in England and to understand the views of Subject Leaders for Physical Education with respect to injury risk.MethodA cross-sectional research study using data obtained under the Freedom of Information Act (2000) from 288 state-funded secondary schools.ResultsRugby Union was delivered in 81% (n = 234 of 288) of state-funded secondary school physical education curricula, including 83% (n = 229 of 275) of state-funded secondary school boys' and 54% (n = 151 of 282) of girls' physical education curricular. Rugby Union was compulsory in 91% (n = 208 of 229) of state-funded secondary schools that delivered it as part of the boys' physical education curriculum and 54% (n = 82 of 151) of state-funded secondary schools that delivered contact Rugby Union as part of the girls' physical education curriculum. Subject Leaders for Physical Education also perceived Rugby Union to have the highest risk of harm of the activities they delivered in their school physical education curriculum.ConclusionNotwithstanding discussions of appropriate measures (i.e., mandatory concussion training, Rugby Union specific qualifications and CPD) to reduce injury risk, it is recommended that Rugby Union should not be a compulsory activity given that it has a perceived high risk of injury and is an unnecessary risk for children in physical education.
Weighted Gene Co-expression Network Analysis Revealed That CircMARK3 Is a Potential CircRNA Affects Fat Deposition in Buffalo
Authors: Feng Xue , Zhao Jinhui , Li Fen , Aloufi Bandar Hamad , Alshammari Ahmed Mohajja , Ma Yun 
Published: July 2022

BackgroundBuffalo meat is increasingly widely accepted for consumption as it shares several quality attributes with cattle meat (beef). Hence, there is a huge opportunity for growth in the buffalo meat industry. However, buffalo meat has relatively low intramuscular fat (IMF) content, affecting its flavor, tenderness and juiciness. As there is a dearth of information on factors that control fat deposition, this study was undertaken to provide new candidate factor associated with buffalo fat deposition. Circular RNA (circRNA) is a novel class of non-coding RNA with a closed-loop structure, and play an important role in fat deposition.MethodsIn this study, weighted gene co-expression network analysis (WGCNA) was used to construct a circRNA co-expression network and revealed a candidate circRNA that may affect the IMF deposition of buffalo as determined by RT-qPCR, semiquantitative PCR and gain-of-function experiments.ResultsHerein, WGCNA determined that one module (turquoise module) is significantly associated with the growth and development stages of buffalo. Further analysis revealed a total of 191 overlapping circRNAs among differentially expressed (DE) circRNAs and the co-expression module. A candidate circRNA was found, 21:6969877|69753491 (circRNA_ID), with a reported involvement in lipid metabolism. This circRNA is stably expressed and originates from the MARK3 gene, hence the name circMARK3. circMARK3 is highly expressed in adipose tissue and mature adipocytes and is located in the cytoplasm. Gain-of-function experiments demonstrated that circMARK3 promoted adipogenic differentiation of buffalo adipocytes and 3T3-L1 cells by up-regulating the expression levels of adipogenic marker genes PPARG, C/EBPα and FABP4.ConclusionThese results indicate that circMARK3 is a potential factor that promotes fat deposition by regulating adipocyte differentiation and adipogenesis in buffalo.
The Role of Small Manufacturing Enterprises in Innovation Development of the Real Sector of Economy: Economic and Statistical Study
Authors: Arkhipova M. Yu. , Cherviakova A. A. 
Published: July 2022

The aim of the economic and statistical study presented by the authors is the evaluation of the role of small manufacturing enterprises in innovation development of real sector of Russian economy. Compared to developed countries, Russia is characterized by a relatively low innovative activity of small industrial enterprises, as well as by their smaller contribution to employment and to the increase of living standards of the population. At the same time, small industrial enterprises have the highest potential for innovation growth, especially in high-tech economic activities. The similarity of small enterprises’ definition in Russia and in the European Union, the magnitude of innovative activity of small enterprises in Europe, and the development of instruments to support innovative companies make studying the European experience in stimulating the innovative activity of small enterprises in the real sector of the economy in order to adapt it to domestic practice relevant.The authors reveal the potential areas of innovative activity growth for small manufacturing enterprises on the basis of foreign experience as well as develop recommendations on support for small entrepreneurship in industrial sector. The research is based on Community Innovation Survey (CIS), national reports of European countries on the topic, the federal statistical surveys № 4 and № 2-MP provided by the Federal State Statistics Service.The study revealed key drivers of European small enterprises’ innovative activity: well-developed cooperation with other organizations, substantial investment in R&D, broad coverage of small business enterprises with support measures. Best European practices of small enterprises’ innovative activity and the analysis of the main barriers of Russian small enterprises’ innovative activity allowed to define the promising directions for supporting small business the real sector of economy of Russia: developing modernization programmes for enterprises, extending the access to borrowed financial sources, developing cooperation ties between small business enterprises. The authors highlighted growth points of innovative activity of small manufacturing enterprises that can be taken into account while developing support measures in order to increase small business’ innovative activity, create new jobs and provide population employment.