Are there sex differences in pain? For experimentally delivered somatic stimuli, females have lower thresholds, greater ability to discriminate, higher pain ratings, and less tolerance of noxious stimuli than males. These differences, however, are small, exist only for certain forms of stimulation and are affected by many situational variables such as presence of disease, experimental setting, and even nutritive status. For endogenous pains, women report more multiple pains in more body regions than men. With no obvious underlying rationale, some painful (...) diseases are more prevalent among females, others among males and, for many diseases, symptoms differ between females and males. Sex differences in attitudes exist that affect not only reporting, coping, and responses to treatment, but also measurement and treatment. So many variables are operative, however, that the most striking feature of sex differences in reported pain experience is the apparent overall lack of them. On the other hand, deduction from known biological sex differences suggests that these are powerful sex differences in the operation of pain mechanisms. First, the vaginal canal provides an additional route in women for internal trauma and invasion by pathological agents that puts them at greater risk for developing hyperalgesia in multiple body regions. Second, sex differences in temporal patterns are likely to give rise to sex differences in how pain is and stimuli are interpreted, a situation that could lead to a greater variability and wider range of pains without obvious peripheral pathology among females. Third, sex differences in the actions of sex hormones suggest pain-relevant differences in the operation of many neuroactive agents, opiate and nonopiate systems, nerve growth factor, and the sympathetic system. Thus, while inductive analysis of existing data demonstrate more similarities than differences in pain experience between females and males, deductive analysis suggests important operational sex differences in its production. (shrink)

A cut or crush injury to a peripheral nerve results in the degeneration of that portion of the axon isolated from the cell body. The rapid degeneration of this distal segment was for many years believed to be a process intrinsic to the nerve. It was believed that Schwann cells both phagocytosed degenerating axons and myelin sheaths and also provided growth factors to promote regeneration of the damaged axons. In recent years, it has become apparent that the (...) degenerating distal segment is invaded by monocytes from the blood. We will review the evidence that these recruited macrophages play a role in both degeneration and regeneration of peripheral nerve axons after injury and consider whether the slow degeneration and poor monocyte recruitment in the central nervous system may contribute to the poor regeneration there. (shrink)

Both blood vessels and nerves are guided to their target. Vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF)A is a key signal in the induction of vessel growth (a process termed angiogenesis). Though initial studies, now a decade ago, indicated that VEGF is an endothelial cell‐specific factor, more recent findings revealed that VEGF also has direct effects on neural cells. Genetic studies showed that mice with reduced VEGF levels develop adult‐onset motor neuron degeneration, reminiscent of the human neurodegenerative disorder (...) amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). Additional genetic studies confirmed that VEGF is a modifier of motor neuron degeneration in humans and in SOD1G93A mice—a model of ALS. Reduced VEGF levels may promote motor neuron degeneration by limiting neural tissue perfusion and VEGF‐dependent neuroprotection. VEGF also affects neuron death after acute spinal cord or cerebral ischemia, and has also been implicated in other neurological disorders such as diabetic and ischemic neuropathy, nerve regeneration, Parkinson's disease, Alzheimer's disease and multiple sclerosis. These findings have raised growing interest in assessing the therapeutic potential of VEGF for neurodegenerative disorders. BioEssays 26:943–954, 2004. © 2004 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (shrink)

Viktor Hamburger was a developmental biologist interested in the ontogenesis of the vertebrate nervous system. A student of Hans Spemann at Freiburg in the 1920s, Hamburger picked up a holistic view of the embryo that precluded him from treating it in a reductionist way; at the same time, he was committed to a materialist and analytical approach that eschewed any form of vitalism or metaphysics. This paper explores how Hamburger walked this thin line between mechanistic reductionism and metaphysical vitalism in (...) light of his work on the factors influencing growth of neurons into limb buds, and the discovery of nerve growth factor, work carried out with Rita Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen. (shrink)

Growth factor receptor tyrosine kinases (RTKs), such as the fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR), play a major role in how cells communicate with their environment. FGFR signaling is crucial for normal development, and its misregulation in humans has been linked to developmental abnormalities and cancer. The precise molecular mechanisms by which FGFRs transduce extracellular signals to effect specific biologic responses is an area of intense research. Genetic analyses in model organisms have played a central role in (...) our evolving understanding of these signal transduction cascades. Genetic studies in the nematode C. elegans have contributed to our knowledge of FGFR signaling by identifying genes involved in FGFR signal transduction and linking their gene products together into signaling modules. This review will describe FGFR-mediated signal transduction in C. elegans and focus on how these studies have contributed to our understanding of how FGFRs orchestrate the assembly of intracellular signaling pathways. BioEssays 23:1120–1130, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (shrink)

Transforming growth factor‐β (TGF‐β) and its related proteins regulate broad aspects of body development, including cell proliferation, differentiation, apoptosis and gene expression, in various organisms. Deregulated TGF‐β function has been causally implicated in the generation of human fibrotic disorders and in tumor progression. Nevertheless, the molecular mechanisms of TGF‐β action remained essentially unknown until recently. Here, we discuss recent progress in our understanding of the mechanism of TGF‐β signal transduction with respect to the regulation of gene expression, the (...) control of cell phenotype and the potential usage TGF‐β for the treatment of human diseases. (shrink)

Apoptosis is now widely recognized as a common form of cell death and represents a mechanism of cell clearance in many physiological situations where deletion of cells is required. Peptide growth factors, initially characterised as stimulators of cell proliferation, have now been shown to inhibit death in many cell types. Deprivation of growth factors leads to the induction of apoptosis, i.e. condensation of chromatin and degradation in oligonucleosomesized fragments, formation of plasma and nuclear membrane blebs and cell fragmentation (...) into apoptotic bodies which can be taken up by neighbouring cells. Here we discuss the mechanism(;s) by which growth factors may inhibit apoptosis. (shrink)

It now appears that the molecular events associated with the mitogenic action of growth factors are also the events perturbed in neoplastic lesions. This review outlines the relevance of our recent progress in the biochemistry of growth factors and their receptors to the induction and maintenance of the neoplastic state.

We review here the data indicating a role for epidermal growth factor receptor (EGF receptor) signalling in early mouse development. Embryonic development of the metazoan embryo generally begins with the formation of a cystic structure and epithelial layers that subsequently form anlagen of the definitive body parts and organs. For the mammalian embryo, this cystic structure is a blastocyst whose wall consists of trophectoderm, the first epithelium to develop during mammalian embryogenesis. The onset of expression and function of (...) EGF receptors is coincident with the onset of trophectoderm development. Modulating EGF receptor expression and function modulates trophectoderm differentiation, leading to the hypothesis that functional EGF receptors participate in the induction of trophectoderm development and perhaps of other embryonic epithelial derivatives such as nervous tissues. (shrink)

We assume the existence of a specific G1 protein which is an initiator of DNA replication. This initiator is supposed to be synthesized according to Michaelis-Menten kinetics. In order to start DNA replication, it is assumed that this G1 specific protein must be produced in a required amount. Intra-cellular growth inhibitors and extra-cellular growth factors control the production of the initiator. This model allows to calculate the average G1 phase time as a function of the various chemical concentrations (...) of nutrients, enzymes, growth inhibitors and growth factors. This model is compared to cell kinetics experiments on a leukemic cell line responding to Interleukin 3 deprivation. The curves giving the experimental average G1 phase times with respect to Interleukin-3 concentrations are fitted by the mathematical model with a quite good agreement. (shrink)

The now classical model for cell‐cell communication espouses that information travels between cells in the form of molecules that bind specific cell‐surface receptors and trigger signal‐transducing mechanisms that eventually lead to transcriptional modifications. Here we gather the available information suggesting that some growth factors may also act by interfering directly with gene transcription, following their internalization and nuclear translocation. Among these factors are bona fide growth factors such as Fibroblast Growth Factor‐1 and ‐2 and Schwannoma Derived (...) Growth Factor, for which internalization and nuclear translocation have been demonstrated. Conversely, we propose that some isoforms of nuclear factors of the homeoprotein family could pass from cell to cell. The implications of the model are presented in the context of the specificity of cellular interactions. (shrink)

Within the last five years, a number of specific growth factors have been localized in developing lesions of atherosclerosis. This localization of growth factors that is not observed in normal vessels, together with the pleotrophic activities of growth factors, have suggested a role for growth factors in atherosclerotic lesion progression. However, based on in vitro studies, many of the growth factors identified in lesions have overlapping target cells and are derived from the same cellular sources. (...) What is the relative role of the specific growth factors identified? How is the their activity altered by the local conditions in the vessel wall? How do different risk factors for atherosclerosis alter the balance between growth factors and their natural regulators? Evidence for the involvement of specific growth factors in the progression of lesions of atherosclerosis is discussed, as well as the multiple levels at which the activities of these growth factors may be regulated by the vessel wall. (shrink)

Fibroblast growth factor receptors (FGFRs) have been implicated in many developmental and regenerative events, including axial organisation, mesodermal patterning, keratinocyte organisation and brain development. The consensus view that this reflects a role for one or other of the nine known members of the fibroblast growth factor family in these processes has recently been challenged by the suggestion that FGFRs might be directly activated by a much wider range of ligands, including heparan sulphate proteoglycans and neural cell (...) adhesion molecules. In addition, two novel soluble ligands for FGFRs have been identified using yeast two‐hybrid technology. Overall, the new findings suggest that in terms of ligand binding the FGFRs might be an even more promiscuous family of receptor tyrosine kinases than was already appreciated. (shrink)

Hepatocyte growth factor, a potent mitogen for epithelial and other cell types, and scatter factor, a stimulant of epithelial cell motility are identical. In addition to these mitogenic and motogenic functions, the factor has been shown to be an epithelial morphogen and also has antiproliferative effects in some cancer cell lines. The membrane receptor for hepatocyte growth factor/scatter factor has been identified as the c‐met proto‐oncogene product.

Many of the haemopoietic cell growth factors have now been purified to homogeneity and their structural genes cloned. Methods are also now available for obtaining pure populations of haemopoietic cells. The use of such cells, in combination with pure growth factors, has provided intriguing information about the biological activities and mode of action of the factors in faciliating survival, proliferation and differentiation of the haemopoietic cells.

The role of membrane receptors is regarded as being to transduce the signal represented by ligand binding from the external cell surface across the membrane into the cell. Signals are subsequently conveyed from the cytoplasm to the nucleus through a combination of second-messenger molecules, kinase/phosphorylation cascades, and transcription factor (TF) translocation to effect changes in gene expression. Mounting evidence suggests that through direct targeting to the nucleus, polypeptide ligands and their receptors may have an important additional signaling role. Ligands (...) such as those of the platelet-derived and fibroblast growth factor classes, as well as cytokines such as interferon-γ and interleukins-1 and -5, have been found to localize in the nucleus through the action of nuclear localization sequences (NLSs). Where tested, these NLSs appear to be essential for full signaling activity and may be responsible for cotranslocating receptors to the nucleus in complexes with their ligands. The implication is that, subsequent to endocytosis at the membrane, particular polypeptide ligands or their receptors, or both, may translocate to the nucleus to participate directly in gene regulation. BioEssays 20:400–411, 1998.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons Inc. (shrink)

The role of membrane receptors is regarded as being to transduce the signal represented by ligand binding from the external cell surface across the membrane into the cell. Signals are subsequently conveyed from the cytoplasm to the nucleus through a combination of second-messenger molecules, kinase/phosphorylation cascades, and transcription factor (TF) translocation to effect changes in gene expression. Mounting evidence suggests that through direct targeting to the nucleus, polypeptide ligands and their receptors may have an important additional signaling role. Ligands (...) such as those of the platelet-derived and fibroblast growth factor classes, as well as cytokines such as interferon-γ and interleukins-1 and -5, have been found to localize in the nucleus through the action of nuclear localization sequences (NLSs). Where tested, these NLSs appear to be essential for full signaling activity and may be responsible for cotranslocating receptors to the nucleus in complexes with their ligands. The implication is that, subsequent to endocytosis at the membrane, particular polypeptide ligands or their receptors, or both, may translocate to the nucleus to participate directly in gene regulation. BioEssays 20:400–411, 1998.© 1998 John Wiley & Sons Inc. (shrink)

Binding of a growth factor (GF) to its specific receptor on the cell surface causes the initiation of a signal transduction cascade which eventually results in mitosis. GF:receptor complexes are removed from the cell surface via receptor‐mediated endocytosis, a process which involves clathrin‐coated pits. After internalization into the endosomal compartment, a significant pool of GFs and GF receptors escape recycling to the cell surface and are sorted to the degradation pathway. The ligandinduced internalization and lysosomal degradation of GF (...) receptors result in the dramatic loss of surface receptors, a phenomenon termed receptor down‐regulation. In this review, we discuss relevant biochemical, morphological and kinetic studies of the mechanism of GF endocytosis, and the possible role of this process in mitogenic signaling by growth factor receptors. (shrink)

Growth and morphogenesis in the mammary gland depend on locally derived growth factors such as those in the epidermal growth factor (EGF) superfamily. Cripto-1 (CR-1, human; Cr-1, mouse)—also known as teratocarcinoma-derived growth factor-1—is a novel EGF-related protein that induces branching morphogenesis in mammary epithelial cells both in vitro and in vivo and inhibits the expression of various milk proteins. In the mouse, Cr-1 is expressed in the growing terminal end buds in the virgin mouse (...) mammary gland and expression increases during pregnancy and lactation. Cr-1/CR-1 is overexpressed in mouse and human mammary tumors and inappropriate overexpression of Cr-1 in mouse mammary epithelial cells can lead to the clonal expansion of ductal hyperplasias. Taken together, this evidence suggests that Cr-1/CR-1 performs a role in normal mammary gland development and that it might contribute to the early stages of mouse mammary tumorigenesis and the pathobiology of human breast cancer. BioEssays 1999;21:61–70. Published 1999 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (shrink)

Stein & Glasier suggest embryonic neural tissue grafts as a potential treatment strategy for Alzheimer's and Parkinson's disease. As an alternative, we suggest that the family of nerve growth factor-related neurotrophins and their trk (tyrosine kinase) receptors underlie cholinergic basal forebrain (CBF) and dopaminergic substantia nigra neuron degeneration in these diseases, respectively. Therefore, treatment approaches for these disorders could utilize neurotrophins.

Angiogenesis is central to both the growth and metastasis of solid tumours. Anti‐angiogenic strategies result in blood vessel regression accompanied by tumour cell apoptosis. Radiotherapy and many chemotherapeutic agents kill tumours by inducing apoptotic cell death. We propose that, in addition to its role as an angiogenic factor, vascular endothelial growth factor (VEGF) can act as a survival factor for tumour cells protecting them from apoptosis. Thus anti‐angiogenics, in particular those directed against VEGF, have multiple (...) anti‐tumour effects. We suggest that anti‐VEGF strategies prevent vessel growth and block a tumour cell survival factor, VEGF, rendering tumour cells more sensitive to chemotherapy and radiotherapy. In addition, as chemotherapy and radiotherapy have been shown to increase VEGF expression, anti‐VEGF strategies may overcome therapy‐ induced tumour cell resistance. BioEssays 24:280–283, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc.; DOI 10.1002/bies.10043. (shrink)

Viktor Hamburger was a developmental biologist interested in the ontogenesis of the vertebrate nervous system. A student of Hans Spemann at Freiburg in the 1920s, Hamburger picked up a holistic view of the embryo that precluded him from treating it in a reductionist way; at the same time, he was committed to a materialist and analytical approach that eschewed any form of vitalism or metaphysics. This paper explores how Hamburger walked this thin line between mechanistic reductionism and metaphysical vitalism in (...) light of his work on the factors influencing growth of neurons into limb buds, and the discovery of nerve growth factor, work carried out with Rita Levi-Montalcini and Stanley Cohen. (shrink)

The development of photodynamic therapy and anti-vascular endothelial growth factor agents have revolutionized the treatment of retinal diseases, transforming the retina subspecialty by ushering in an age of pharmacological treatments for a wide range of diseases, including age-related macular degeneration.

The transforming growth factors beta are a family of peptides which are involved in the regulation of cell growth and differentiation. It has been suggested that the loss of sensitivity to growth inhibition by endogenous TGF‐β may contribute to the process of carcinogenesis in epithelial systems. However, many breast cancer cells remain sensitive to the growth inhibitory effects of these peptides, suggesting that the local induction of TGF‐β could provide a pharmacological approach to chemoprevention. Triphenylethylene anti‐oestrogens, (...) synthetic progestins and retinoids all offer potential as chemopreventative agents. A common feature of their mechanism of action is the ability to locally increase the production of the transforming growth factors beta. (shrink)

Platelet‐derived growth factor (PDGF) was originally identified in platelets and in serum as a mitogen for fibroblasts, smooth muscle cells (SMC) and glia cells in culture. PDGF has since expanded to a family of dimers of at least four gene products, whose biological actions are mediated through two receptor tyrosine kinases, PDGFRs. The present review summarizes and discusses the biological functions of PDGFs and PDGFRs in developmental processes, mainly as revealed through genetic analysis in mice. Such studies have (...) demonstrated multiple critical roles of PDGFs and PDGFRs in embryonic and postnatal development. PDGFs seem to act upon specific populations of progenitor cells that give rise to several different cell types with distinct functions in a variety of developmental processes. Analogies are seen between the cell functions and the developmental processes controlled by PDGFs. This suggests that ancestral PDGF and PDGFR expression patterns and functions may have been iterated in related sets of morphogenetic processes in the course of evolution. BioEssays 23:494–507, 2001. © 2001 John Wiley & Sons, Inc. (shrink)

Mutations within the Steel and Dominant Spotting loci of mice have led to the recent identification of a growth factor/receptor system required for the normal development of germ cells, pigment cells and hematopoietic cells. Interactions between the products of these genes, Steel factor and c‐Kit respectively, have now been demonstrated to influence various developmental processes, including survival, proliferation, and/or differentiation of cells in a tissue specific manner. In addition, our current understanding of the molecular basis of various (...) Steel and Dominant Spotting alleles coupled with the emerging information on the expression pattern of steel factor and c‐kit transcripts during development, is now beginning to explain the pleiotropic affects of these mutations. (shrink)

How different neural crest derivatives differentiate in distinct embryonic locations in the vertebrate embryo is an intriguing issue. Many attempts have been made to understand the underlying mechanism of specific pathway choices made by migrating neural crest cells. In this speculative review we suggest a new mechanism for the regulation of neural crest cell migration patterns in avian and mammalian embryos, based on recent progress in understanding the expression and activity of receptor tyrosine kinases during embryogenesis. Distinct subpopulations of crest‐derived (...) cells express specific receptor tyrosine kinases while residing in a migration staging area. We postulate that the differential expression of receptor tyrosine kinases by specific subpopulations of neural crest cells allows them to respond to localized growth factor ligand activity in the embryo. Thus, the migration pathway taken by neural crest subpopulations is determined by their receptor tyrosine kinase response to the differential localization of their cognate ligand. (shrink)

M. Klimczuk-Kochańska, A. Klimczuk, Outplacement dla pracowników - bariery, potrzeby, czynniki rozwoju (Outplacement for Employees - Barriers, Needs, Growth Factors), Narodowe Forum Doradztwa Kariery, Białystok-Kraków 2012, 140p.

Members of the transforming growth factor beta (TGFβ) family are pleiotropic cytokines with key roles in tissue morphogenesis and growth. TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 are abundant in mammalian reproductive tissues, where development and cyclic remodelling continue in post‐natal and adult life. Potential roles for TGFβ have been identified in gonad and secondary sex organ development, spermatogenesis and ovarian function, immunoregulation of pregnancy, embryo implantation and placental development. However, better tools must now be employed to map more precisely (...) essential functions and the regulatory networks governing their activity. Gene ablation and transgenic models are expected to provide novel insights into distinct physiological activities for each TGFβ isoform in normal reproductive function and reproductive pathologies. It is also necessary to consider the mechanisms controlling TGFβ activation from latent precursor forms, and receptor and binding protein expression. Smad intracellular signalling circuitry and modulation by environmental stimuli through cross‐talk with other signal transduction pathways will further constrain TGFβ action. This review examines existing evidence for TGFβ1, TGFβ2 and TGFβ3 regulation of male and female reproductive biology, and highlights prospects for future research. BioEssays 24:904–914, 2002. © 2002 Wiley Periodicals, Inc. (shrink)

Members of the astacin family of metalloproteinases such as human bone morphogenetic protein 1 (BMP‐1) have previously been linked to cell differentiation and pattern formation during development through a proposed role in the activation of latent growth factors of the TGF‐β superfamily. Recent finding(1) indicate that BMP‐1 is identical to pro‐collagen C‐proteinase, which is a metalloproteinase involved in extracellular matrix (ECM) formation. This observation suggests that a functional link may exist between astacin metalloproteinases, growth factors and cell differentiation (...) and pattern formation during development. Taken together, current studies indicate that BMP‐1 and possibly other astacin metalloproteinases are multifunctional enzymes that act directly on growth factors and the ECM. In combination, these dual actions would have profound effects on developmental processes. (shrink)

Recent studies of early development in a number of ivertebrate and vertebrate species have suggested that growth factors and their receptors may play important roles in differentiation as well as cell proliferation. In the mouse embryo, the expression of the receptors for insulin and insulin‐like growth factors I and II (IGF‐I and ‐II) are temporally regulated. The ontogeny of receptor and ligand expression within the insulin and IGF gene family suggests that the very earliest stages of mammalian embryogenesis (...) may be subject to regulation by autocrine and paracrine factors from maternal and embryonic sources. (shrink)

M. Klimczuk-Kochańska, A. Klimczuk, Outplacement dla pracowników - bariery, potrzeby, czynniki rozwoju (Outplacement for Employees - Barriers, Needs, Growth Factors), Narodowe Forum Doradztwa Kariery, Białystok-Kraków 2012, 140p. -/- .

In order to test a mathematical model of G1/S-phase transition, the proliferative response of the murine myeloid interleukin 3 (IL-3) dependent cell line NFS-78 to graded reduction of IL-3 levels was measured. Exponentially growing cells were exposed to bromodeoxyuridine (BUdR), which replaces thymidine (TdR) in the DNA double strands during DNA synthesis. After incubation periods ranging from 3 to 36 h the cells were fixed and stained with a fluorescence dye mixture of Hoechst 33258 and ethidium bromide (EB) and subsequently (...) analyzed in a two-parametrical flow cytometer. The BUdR-quenched TdR-specific Hoechst 33258 fluorescence of each cell provides information on the cell cycle location at the start of incubation and on whether or not a cell has divided. The DNA-specific EB fluorescence provides information on the actual cell cycle location at the end of the incubation period. From the 2-dimensional fluorescence distributions the efflux from G1-phase was calculated. Upon IL-3 reduction the cells showed accumulation in the Gl-phase along with a reduction in the progression rate through the other phases of the cell cycle. By staining with the vital dye Hoechst 33342 as well as with propidium iodide (PI) it was further possible to show that cell death after IL-3 withdrawal occurred in all phases of the cell cycle. (shrink)

Mouse pre‐implantation development appears to be under the control of paracrine and autocrine growth factors. The epithelium of the oviduct and the uterus together, with the population of macrophages and lymphocytes present in the reproductive tract from the onset of pregnancy, are thought to be the major sources of paracrine growth factors targeted to the developing embryos. Some of the growth factors are synthesized by both uterine epithelial cells and activated lympho‐hematopoietic cells, suggesting a partial overlap of (...) the regulatory signals used by the reproductive and lympho‐hematopoietic systems. Such growth factors may be the long sought‐after mediators of the synchrony between the pre‐implantation embryo and the sex‐steroid hormone‐induced changes in the uterus. (shrink)

Background: Infectious disease outbreaks such as COVID-19 and MERS pose a major threat to healthcare workers' physical and mental health. Studies exploring the positive changes gained from adapting to traumatic events, known as post-traumatic growth, have attracted much attention. However, it is unclear which factors or experiences lead to PTG among HCWs. The purpose of this mixed-method study was to investigate factors associated with PTG among HCWs who experienced the MERS outbreak in South Korea, and fully describe their experience (...) of developing PTG.Methods: Quantitative data from 78 participants were collected using psychometric tools for Psychological distress, Resilience, and Support for coping, and Post-traumatic growth. Qualitative interviews were conducted with seven nurses. Data were analyzed using the qualitative content analysis method according to the sub-themes of resilience, which was the main factor associated with PTG.Results: We found resilience to have a significant impact on PTG. Thus the qualitative interviews were analyzed using the core concepts of resilience. Qualitative interviews with nurses illustrated how participants experienced the development of resilience in terms of its sub-factors: hardiness, persistence, optimism, and support.Conclusion: HCWs who endured the MERS outbreak showed high levels of PTG, and the analysis of the interview data provided a fuller understanding on the experience of remaining resilient and developing PTG. These results provide practical and pragmatic information helpful for developing intervention strategies and protocols that can help HCWs transform adversity into growth and development. (shrink)

The first clinical symptoms focused on the presentation of coronavirus disease 2019 have been respiratory failure, however, accumulating evidence also points to its presentation with neuropsychiatric symptoms, the exact mechanisms of which are not well known. By using a computational methodology, we aimed to explain the molecular paths of COVID-19 associated neuropsychiatric symptoms, based on the mimicry of the human protein interactions with SARS-CoV-2 proteins.Methods: Available 11 of the 29 SARS-CoV-2 proteins’ structures have been extracted from Protein Data Bank. HMI-PRED, (...) a recently developed web server for structural PREDiction of protein-protein interactions between host and any microbial species, was used to find the “interface mimicry” through which the microbial proteins hijack host binding surfaces. Classification of the found interactions was conducted using the PANTHER Classification System.Results: Predicted Human-SARS-CoV-2 protein interactions have been extensively compared with the literature. Based on the analysis of the molecular functions, cellular localizations and pathways related to human proteins, SARS-CoV-2 proteins are found to possibly interact with human proteins linked to synaptic vesicle trafficking, endocytosis, axonal transport, neurotransmission, growth factors, mitochondrial and blood-brain barrier elements, in addition to its peripheral interactions with proteins linked to thrombosis, inflammation and metabolic control.Conclusion: SARS-CoV-2-human protein interactions may lead to the development of delirium, psychosis, seizures, encephalitis, stroke, sensory impairments, peripheral nerve diseases, and autoimmune disorders. Our findings are also supported by the previous in vivo and in vitro studies from other viruses. Further in vivo and in vitro studies using the proteins that are pointed here, could pave new targets both for avoiding and reversing neuropsychiatric presentations. (shrink)

Factors Which Influence the Growth of Creative Industries: Cross-section Analysis in China With the more and more important roles of creative economy, its research has become one of the major fields in economic development. The creative economy has the potential to generate income and jobs while promoting social inclusion, cultural diversity and human development. As a developing country, China is also in need of developing the creative economy to adjust the economic structure and realize the sustainable development. In this (...) paper, we examined the factors which influence the growth of creative industries in China through the cross-section analysis of 23 regional data in 2007. Four main factors were examined in this multi-regression model, that is, GDP per capita, the number of higher education institutions, the number of students enrolled in higher education institution and the number of patents.The statistical analysis found that the model's fit is quite good and 69% of dependent variable is explained by the model. Specifically, there are three sub-conclusions. Firstly, there is not a positive relationship between GDP per capita and dependent variable; on the contrary, there is a weak negative relationship in this model. We infer that it is because of the stage of economic development. China heavily depends on the development of the second industry in the process of industrializing. Secondly, there is no linear relationship, in this model, between the number of higher education institutions and the dependent variable. We infer that it is mainly due to the differences between the higher education institutions, such as scales and qualities, etc. Thirdly, there is enough evidence to conclude that the number of students enrolled in higher education institution and the dependent variable are linearly related; the number of patents and the ratio of creative industries are linearly related, as well. They represent the important roles of talents and technology in the development of creative industries. (shrink)

With the advent of Complex dynamic systems theory in the field of second language question, the need for suitable CDST compatible methods for the investigation of temporal change in L2 affective variables has been felt more than before. One of the innovative methods for this purpose is latent growth curve modeling, which has recently drawn the attention of SLA scholars. However, the application of this method is still a burgeoning demand in SLA. In response to this demand, the present (...) study provides a review of the conceptualization, significance, and technical features of the implementation of LGCM. In doing so, this review suggests a number of practices via which LGCM has been introduced in SLA. Additionally, some practical implications are provided for SLA researchers to enhance their literacy of LGCM. Finally, future research suggestions for the progress of the use of this method in SLA are discussed. (shrink)